Israeli military to call up 50,000 reservists as it plans new phase of Gaza war

An Israeli military official said that the country’s top generals had approved plans to begin a new phase of operations in some of Gaza’s most densely populated areas.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, the official said that the military will be operating in parts of Gaza City where the Israeli military has not yet operated and where Hamas is still active.

Israeli troops are already operating in the Zeitoun and Jabaliya neighbourhoods of Gaza City in order to prepare the groundwork for the expanded operation, which is expected to receive approval from the chief of staff in the coming days.

It remains unclear when the operation will begin.

The official said 50,000 reservists will be called up in the coming month, nearly doubling the number of active reservists to 120,000.

Objective

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this month that the objective was to secure the release of the remaining hostages and ensure Hamas and other militants can never again threaten Israel.

Hamas-led militants started the war when they attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251.

Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals. Hamas says it will only free the rest in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal.

The planned offensive into Gaza City and the central camps has heightened international condemnation of Israel and fuelled fears of another mass displacement among Palestinians.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are sheltering in the city and its holds some of the last remnants of critical infrastructure remaining in Gaza.

Mediators and Hamas say they have agreed to ceasefire terms, but Israel’s response remains unclear as members of Mr Netanyahu’s coalition oppose a phased deal that does not “complete the defeat of Hamas”.