Israel has begun what it describes as the initial stages of its offensive on Gaza City, with the military saying troops are now holding positions on the outskirts.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told the public on Wednesday (August 20) that the operation is aimed at crushing Hamas in its remaining political and military stronghold.
“We have begun the preliminary actions and the initial stages of the offensive on Gaza City, and already now IDF forces are holding positions on the outskirts of Gaza City… We will intensify the strikes on Hamas in Gaza City, the political and military stronghold of the terror organization.” IDF spox Defrin said.
The move comes alongside the mobilization of 60,000 reservists, while the service of an additional 20,000 already in uniform will be extended.
Some reports say this will allow active-duty soldiers to push deeper into Gaza, where Israel currently controls about 75% of the territory based on Reuters.
Also in a recent interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed its commitment to take full military control over Gaza.
Defrin said strikes on Gaza City will intensify and that residents would be warned to evacuate in order to minimize civilian casualties. The offensive is expected to force thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza to flee south.
Meanwhile, Hamas condemned the escalation, accusing Israel of waging a brutal war against civilians and obstructing international ceasefire efforts.
As the militant group has accepted a 60-day truce proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, which includes a partial hostage release.
Israel has yet to formally respond and insists that all hostages must be freed at once.
As the war nears its second year, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed due to Israel’s attack.