Israeli army launches Gaza City offensive as Belgium calls for restraint
The Israeli army launched the first phase of its planned attack on Gaza City on Wednesday evening, with areas on the outskirts of the city reportedly already under Israeli control, an army spokesperson told Israeli media.
"Our forces have already taken control of the city's outskirts," said Brigadier General Effie Deffrin. Bombings have already taken place, prompting a mass exodus of Palestinian residents.
The offensive follows government approval and a decision by defence minister Israel Katz to call up tens of thousands of reservists. Israeli media reported that Katz authorised "Gideon's Chariots II," a follow-up to the massive ground offensive launched in May that brought 75 per cent of the Gaza Strip under operational control. With this new operation, the Israeli government aims to occupy Gaza City and the surrounding refugee camps, forcing residents to move south.
According to Israel, the second phase of "Gideon's Chariots" is intended to deliver a decisive blow to the radical Palestinian movement Hamas and facilitate the release of remaining hostages. Approximately 60,000 reservists are expected to be mobilised for the operation.
Earlier Wednesday, Israeli officials said that "humanitarian preparations" would be made before the offensive begins for the approximately one million Gazans living in Gaza City. They have been instructed to move south and have until October 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the war.
Belgium urges restraint
Belgium has urged the Israeli government to refrain from the offensive. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on X that such an operation "will lead to more deaths, destruction, and mass displacement and will not contribute to the release of the hostages."
Israeli tanks deploying inside the besieged Palestinian territory on August 19, 2025. PHOTO © JACK GUEZ / AFP
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