Israel has significantly ramped up its military presence as reservists begin mobilizing in response to call-up orders, signaling preparations for an offensive targeting Gaza City amid ongoing hostilities that have lasted nearly two years. This escalation comes despite increasing domestic and international demands for an end to the campaign in the Palestinian territory, as Israel aims to capture its largest city through intensified bombardments and operations at its periphery.
According to the United Nations, nearly a million people reside in Gaza City and its surrounding areas, which are currently experiencing severe famine conditions. In a statement, the Israeli military indicated that they had recently engaged in logistical and operational preparations ahead of expanded combat operations, noting the significant mobilization of reservists.
Israeli media outlets have reported that a wave of reservists has begun responding to draft orders. Channel 12 news indicated a subsequent wave is expected in November. Defense Minister Israel Katz approved plans for the conquest of Gaza City in late August, authorizing the call-up of approximately 60,000 reservists. Earlier discussions with military officials confirmed that active-duty forces would spearhead the next stage of the campaign, rather than relying solely on reservists.
On the ground in Gaza, the situation remains dire. The local civil defense agency reported at least 45 fatalities due to Israeli military actions, including 10 individuals who were killed in an airstrike on a residential building in southwestern Gaza City. Eyewitness accounts, such as that of Sanaa al-Dreimli, depicted harrowing scenes of destruction as families awoke to devastation, raising poignant questions about the accountability for civilian casualties.
The Israeli military requested further details from the civil defense regarding casualty figures, indicating a willingness to investigate specific incidents where fatalities were reported. However, ongoing media restrictions in Gaza and the complexities of accessing various areas have hindered independent verification of the reported numbers.
The military’s designation of Gaza City as a “dangerous combat zone” has led to statements suggesting the inevitability of evacuating the population. However, the International Committee of the Red Cross has emphasized that any attempt at evacuation under current circumstances would not only be unsafe but also impossible to carry out in a dignified manner. ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric expressed serious concerns about the shelter, healthcare, and nutritional crises, deeming an evacuation “incomprehensible.”
As international scrutiny intensifies, pressure mounts on Israel to cease its offensive, which is purportedly aimed at dismantling Hamas and recovering hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the latest phase of conflict. Belgium has emerged as the latest Western nation to announce its recognition of the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly, joining countries like Australia, Canada, and France in a move that reflects a growing call for accountability amid the humanitarian crisis.
The recent attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people in Israel, a majority of whom were civilians, based on an AFP tally. Currently, of the 251 hostages taken during the October attack, 47 are still reported to be held in Gaza, with military sources claiming 25 of them are deceased. Meanwhile, Israeli retaliatory strikes have claimed the lives of at least 63,557 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, according to figures supplied by authorities in Hamas-controlled Gaza, which the United Nations regards as credible.
