Israel calls up 60,000 reservists for planned Gaza City offensive
The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it will mobilise around 60,000 reservists for its planned offensive in Gaza City, following approval by Defence minister Israel Katz.
The mobilisation is part of Israel’s strategy to take control of Gaza City, which officials have described as the “fastest way to end the war.” Not all reservists will join the operation directly; some will replace frontline troops currently deployed elsewhere.
At the same time, Israel said it is preparing “humanitarian measures” for the roughly one million residents of Gaza City, who have been ordered to move south. They have until 7 October—the anniversary of the Hamas attack that sparked the war—to evacuate. Israeli officials said its ground operation will begin immediately after the deadline.
Diplomatic efforts
Regional mediators are still pressing for a truce before the offensive begins. On Monday, Hamas announced it had accepted a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, which included the release of around 10 Israeli hostages. Israel has not formally responded but officials signalled Tuesday that only a deal securing the release of all hostages would be acceptable.
The planned assault, code-named “Gideon’s Chariot,” has already drawn criticism abroad. During a visit to Moscow on Wednesday, Jordanian Foreign minister Ayman Safadi accused Israel of “destroying the prospects for peace” in the region and creating an “utterly inhumane situation” in Gaza.
West Bank colonies
In parallel with its Gaza strategy, Israel approved plans to build roughly 3,400 housing units between East Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement in the West Bank. That is seen as a sensitive area, as settlements there would effectively split the territory into northern and southern sections, making it nearly impossible to establish a contiguous Palestinian state.
Several countries, including France, Canada and Australia, are considering recognising a Palestinian state next month. In Belgium, both the federal and Flemish governments are debating the issue but remain sharply divided.
PHOTO © Jack GUEZ / AFP
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