Israel says new military offensive to take over Gaza City has begun
Israel begins ‘first stages’ of planned military offensive in Gaza City
- Israel has begun the “first stages” of its new offensive after plans to take over Gaza City were approved, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians expected to be ordered to evacuate.
- The Israeli military is calling up 60,000 reservists, doubling the current number to 120,000, for the planned operation.
- The offensive raises concerns about further displacement, disruption of humanitarian aid, and an imminent risk of famine in Gaza, which is already largely destroyed.
- Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for a 60-day truce and the release of half the remaining hostages, though Israel and the United States have not yet responded.
- The planned offensive has triggered global outrage, including from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and has caused internal controversy in Israel among families of the remaining hostages.