Israel is reportedly preparing for an expanded military offensive in Gaza, issuing mobilization orders to tens of thousands of reservists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire negotiations, suggesting that the Gulf state is playing a duplicitous role by straddling the line between supporting Israel and Hamas.
Israeli media sources indicate that the military has begun sending out orders for reservists to replace active-duty soldiers in Israel and the occupied West Bank. While the military has not confirmed these reports, the families of journalists from AFP received mobilization orders, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. A meeting of the Israeli security cabinet is planned for Sunday to discuss the expansion of offensive operations.
Major military action in Gaza resumed on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire that was largely undermined by a stalemate in negotiations. Efforts to solidify a new truce, brokered by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, have reportedly stalled, prompting sharp words from Netanyahu. He took to social media to assert that Qatar needed to choose a side, contending that it cannot simultaneously support civilization and the “barbarism” of Hamas.
Netanyahu is facing considerable internal pressure from his far-right supporters, compelling him to deepen military engagement. He stated, “Israel will win this just war with just means,” reinforcing his commitment to continued action.
In response, Qatar’s foreign ministry issued a statement condemning Netanyahu’s comments as inflammatory and lacking in basic political and moral responsibility. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with Israel blocking all aid deliveries since March 2, prompting warnings from UN agencies of a looming disaster.
The conflict has escalated further with Hamas releasing a video of a wounded hostage, an Israeli-Russian individual named Maxim Herkin. He appeared to be injured, calling for pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of captives. The health ministry in Gaza has reported a staggering toll, claiming at least 52,495 fatalities since the latest military campaign began.
Demonstrations took place in Tel Aviv, where thousands gathered outside the Israeli defense ministry, urging the government to prioritize the release of hostages. Protesters expressed their disbelief regarding the justification for ongoing military actions in Gaza, highlighting concerns that further escalation could endanger the hostages.
In Gaza, an overnight Israeli strike on the Khan Yunis refugee camp claimed the lives of at least 11 people, including three infants. The airstrike reportedly targeted a Hamas member. Local residents and rescue workers were seen searching for survivors in the rubble, amid harrowing accounts of the attack that left the area engulfed in dust and darkness.
