Israel's military announced Wednesday that it has kicked off preliminary operations to take control of Gaza City, marking a major escalation in the nearly two-year conflict. 🪖⚔️
"We have begun the preliminary operations and the first stages of the attack on Gaza City, and already now IDF forces are holding the outskirts of Gaza City," said Brigadier General Effie Defrin at a press briefing.
As part of this push, tens of thousands of reservists are being called up, although many will only report for duty in September. This timing gives mediators a window to broker a ceasefire, as both sides consider fresh proposals.
Behind the scenes, a key new truce plan—set to pause hostilities for 60 days and involve hostage releases—has been floated by Arab mediators. Hamas has shown willingness to accept the deal, but Israel insists on the immediate release of all 50 remaining hostages, believed to include around 20 still alive.
Despite international calls for caution, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accelerated plans to dismantle Hamas strongholds. "We will deepen the attack on Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organization," Defrin said, describing Hamas as a "battered and bruised" force.
Clashes have already erupted on the outskirts of Khan Younis, south of Gaza City. More than 15 Hamas militants emerged from tunnel shafts, firing on Israeli troops and wounding several soldiers. Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed the raid, claiming it caused Israeli casualties.
With around 75% of the Gaza Strip already under Israeli control, the coming days could reshape the conflict's landscape. Can diplomacy still prevail, or will urban warfare define this next phase? 🌍🕊️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
