Israel has begun its first steps toward seizing Gaza City, its military confirmed Wednesday, calling the operation a turning point in the nearly two-year war with Hamas.
Military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said troops were already holding the outskirts of the city and described Hamas as a “battered guerrilla force.” Tens of thousands of reservists are being called up as the government weighs a new ceasefire plan put forward by Arab mediators.
Despite earlier signals that reserves would not be mobilized until September, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the timeline for targeting Hamas strongholds has been accelerated following fresh clashes in Gaza.
Hamas said it has accepted a 60-day truce proposal that includes hostage and prisoner exchanges. Israel insists that all 50 remaining hostages must be released at once, though officials believe fewer than half are still alive.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of deliberately stalling peace efforts, saying his rejection of the proposal was a choice to “continue a brutal war against civilians in Gaza City.”
South of Gaza City, Israeli forces clashed with Hamas militants who emerged from tunnel networks near Khan Younis. One Israeli soldier was critically wounded and two others lightly injured. Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the raid, saying one fighter detonated explosives during close combat.
Netanyahu’s coalition is divided over the truce. Far-right ministers are urging him to push ahead with the campaign and reject any pause. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Wednesday approved a new West Bank settlement plan, drawing international condemnation.
Since the conflict began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes and ground assaults, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel says its offensive targets Hamas fighters but acknowledges civilians remain at risk.
Church officials in Gaza reported that some neighborhoods near the enclave’s only Catholic parish have already received evacuation notices as Israeli forces prepare to advance deeper into the city.
Polls show strong Israeli support for ending the war if it secures the hostages’ release. Over the weekend, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv demanding the government accept a deal. In the United States, a new Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 58% of Americans support UN recognition of Palestine.
