The Israeli military said Wednesday that the country’s defense minister has approved plans to begin a new phase of operations in some of Gaza’s most densely populated areas, and that it would call up 60,000 reservists and lengthen the service of an additional 20,000 reservists currently serving.
A military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity in line with military regulations, said that the military will be operating in parts of Gaza City where the Israeli military has not yet operated and where it believes Hamas is still active.
The official said that Israeli troops are already operating in the Zeitoun and Jabaliya neighborhoods of Gaza City to prepare the groundwork for the expanded operation, which is expected to receive approval from the chief of staff in the coming days.
Gaza City is Hamas’ main military and governing stronghold and Israeli troops will be targeting Hamas' vast underground tunnel network, the official added.
Although Israel has targeted and killed much of Hamas’ senior leadership, parts of the terrorist group are actively regrouping and carrying out attacks, including launching rockets towards Israel, the official said.
Gaza City operation could begin within days
It remains unclear when the operation will begin, but it could be a matter of days. The official said 60,000 reservists will be called up in the coming month, one of the largest mobilizations in months.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently said the objective of the war is to secure the release of the remaining hostages and ensure Hamas and other terrorists can never again threaten Israel.
Netanyahu said on Aug. 9 that it would span parts of Gaza City and the central camps. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are sheltering in the city and it holds some of the last remnants of critical infrastructure.
