TEHRAN – Israel has approved a plan to seize control of Gaza city despite increasing domestic and international backlash and new calls for a ceasefire.
The Israeli military will include Israeli Defense Minister Katz approved the acquisition, calling 60,000 reserves and extending the services of another 20,000 people, the Israeli military said.
The attack is expected to force thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza, south, facing a hunger crisis that exacerbates its population due to Israel’s military attacks and aid restrictions.
Since launching the war with Gaza in October 2023, Israel has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians. Nearly 270 people, including more than 100 children, have died from starvation and lack of humanitarian access to the enclave.
The military escalation sparked global rage and widespread protest in Israel. Israelis have criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza campaign and called for an end to the attack.
On Wednesday, Israeli relatives were taken prisoner in Gaza, denounced the government’s plans to advance in Gaza, and warned that the lives of prisoners could still be put at risk. The Family Forum for Hostages and Missing Persons described the move as “a stab wound in the hearts of Israeli families and the public.”
The forum accused Netanyahu of ignoring potential deals to secure the release of prisoners of war and achieve a ceasefire.
Last weekend, hundreds of thousands joined the demonstrations and general strike, partially fuelling the fear that Gaza City’s attack could put the rest of the prisoners at risk.
The expanded military operation announcement includes several prisoner releases after it appeared that Israel had rejected reports that it had agreed to a ceasefire based on a proposal by US Middle Eastern envoy Steve Witkov. Under the proposal, some of the remaining 50 hostages (20 of which are believed to be alive) will be released.