Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has approved a military plan to seize control of Gaza City and authorised the mobilisation of about 60,000 reservists, the defence ministry confirmed on Wednesday.
A ministry spokesperson, responding to AFP inquiries, confirmed media reports that Katz had signed off on the plan as the conflict with Hamas nears its second year.
The move adds pressure on Hamas as international mediators, led by Qatar, await an official Israeli response to the latest ceasefire proposal. While Qatar expressed cautious optimism about progress, a senior Israeli official maintained that the release of all hostages remains a non-negotiable condition in any agreement.
A senior military official told reporters that roughly 50,000 reservists will be called up beginning in September, with active duty troops forming the backbone of operations in Gaza City.
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“The main forces operating in the next stage of the offensive will be active duty soldiers, with reservists supplementing the campaign,” the official said.
The Israeli military has already launched operations in the Zeitoun and Jabalia neighbourhoods of Gaza City, described as preliminary steps in the broader offensive.
The announcement underscores Israel’s readiness to intensify its operations even as diplomatic efforts continue, deepening uncertainty over prospects for a negotiated truce in the protracted conflict.