Israel mobilized tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for an assault on Gaza City while considering a new ceasefire proposal after nearly two years of war. Reserve soldiers were ordered to report only in September, allowing mediators time to negotiate between Hamas and Israel. Military planners expect five divisions to operate across the Gaza Strip, with most reservists not slated for combat inside Gaza City. The security cabinet approved a plan to expand operations aimed at taking Gaza City. Far-right coalition pressure opposes a temporary ceasefire and advances West Bank settlement plans that undermine prospects for a Palestinian state.
The call-up signals Israel is pressing ahead with its plan to seize Gaza's biggest urban centre despite international criticism of an operation likely to force the displacement of many more Palestinians. But a military official briefing reporters said reserve soldiers would not report for duty until September, an interval that gives mediators some time to bridge gaps between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel over truce terms.
The official said that as part of planning for a new offensive in the Gaza Strip, there would be five divisions operating in the enclave, but most reservists were not expected to serve in combat in Gaza City. "We will be moving into a new phase of combat, a gradual, precise and targeted operation in and around Gaza City, which currently serves as Hamas' main military and governing stronghold," the official said.
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