Israel has announced the mobilization of 60,000 reservists to support a major new phase of its military campaign in Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz approved a plan for the Israeli army to seize control of Gaza City, according to a statement from his ministry.
“The minister approved the army’s attack plan for Gaza City,” the statement said, adding that Katz also authorized the issuing of call-up orders for the necessary reservists to carry out the mission.
Alongside the military preparations, Katz signed off on humanitarian measures to enable the evacuation of civilians from Gaza City.
Earlier this month, Israel announced it was preparing to take control of the city and nearby Palestinian refugee camps, with the stated goals of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages held since the group’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed last week that he had adopted the new plan, which was also endorsed by Israel’s national security council, paving the way for its implementation.
