The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun what it described as “the first stages” of an operation to seize control of Gaza City, a military spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.
The move comes two weeks after Israel’s security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to capture the city, with the goal of establishing full military control over the Gaza Strip.
IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that Israeli forces are currently “holding the outskirts of Gaza City” and will intensify operations against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the densely populated area. Netanyahu later said he had instructed the military to “shorten the timelines for seizing the last terror strongholds and for the defeat of Hamas.”
Military sources told local media that the IDF is expected to formally present its operational plan for Gaza City to the prime minister on Thursday. Earlier this week, the army announced the mobilization of an additional 60,000 reservists ahead of the campaign.
Hostage Deal Proposal Rejected
Reports indicate that West Jerusalem has chosen not to respond to a Hamas proposal put forward on Monday. The offer included the release of ten Israeli hostages and a 60-day ceasefire, reportedly based on a framework drafted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Hamas condemned the launch of the Gaza City operation, saying it endangered nearly one million residents and displaced persons in the area and showed “a blatant disregard for the efforts made by the mediators.”
Continued Fighting in Khan Younis
Clashes also continued outside Gaza City. On Wednesday, three IDF soldiers were wounded—one seriously—after 15 Hamas fighters reportedly emerged from tunnels and attacked them with firearms and anti-tank missiles near Khan Younis, south of the city.
Context of the War
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise incursion into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Roughly 50 hostages are believed to remain in captivity.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israeli strikes have since killed more than 62,000 people and injured approximately 156,000 in the enclave.
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