Israeli Army to Call Up 60,000 Reservists for Planned Gaza Offensive
Occupied Jerusalem – August 20: The Israeli army is preparing to mobilize around 60,000 reserve soldiers as part of a newly approved military plan to invade and occupy Gaza City, despite mounting international criticism.
According to Palestinian news agency WAFA, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has officially authorized the operation, known as “Gideon 2.” The plan was discussed and cleared by the Israeli Security Cabinet after consultations with top military and security officials.
In addition to the new call-ups, the service of 20,000 already enlisted reservists will be extended for 40 more days. The call-up orders are expected to be sent out starting Thursday, but soldiers will begin reporting for duty in early September.
Details of the Military Plan
Israeli Army Chief Eyal Zamir recently outlined the operational phases of the strategy. The plan involves:
- Strengthening Israeli troop presence in northern Gaza Strip, ahead of a full-scale push into Gaza City.
- A gradual reoccupation of Gaza, beginning with Gaza City.
- Forcing the displacement of nearly one million Palestinians from Gaza City toward the south, before encircling the city and launching incursions into residential neighborhoods.
On August 11, Israel began the first stage of this campaign with heavy attacks on the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood in southeastern Gaza City. Reports say the assault included artillery strikes, house demolitions using remote-controlled explosive robots, and the forced displacement of residents.
Global Reactions
The decision has triggered widespread condemnation:
- Germany has announced it will ban arms exports to Israel.
- British and French media outlets have called for broader sanctions on Israel.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement urging Israel to reverse its decision and warning that the move would only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Starmer stressed that the situation demands an urgent ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed.
Humanitarian Toll
According to Palestinian sources, the ongoing Israeli assault has resulted in:
- 62,064 Palestinians killed, the majority being women and children.
- 156,573 wounded.
- Over 11,000 people missing, many feared buried under rubble.
- More than hundreds of thousands displaced without safe shelter.
- A severe famine leading to the deaths of 266 people, including 112 children.
Source: Qatar News Agency (QNA), citing Palestinian news agency WAFA
