The Israeli Defense Forces announced the start of the first stage of a plan to fully capture and control Gaza City. The military said they had already taken positions on the outskirts of the city. The operation was approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz and will be reviewed by the Security Cabinet in the coming days. About 60,000 reservists are planned to be mobilized from early September.
According to the military, soldiers are currently operating in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas. Underground tunnels storing weapons were discovered in these locations. Israel also said that in order to avoid civilian casualties, the evacuation of the city’s residents is being planned.
However, the situation in Gaza remains dire. Hamas accused Israel of continuing a “war against innocent civilians.” According to Gaza’s Civil Defense, 25 people were killed in recent strikes, including a family of five.
The international community is expressing concern over Israel’s plans. French President Emmanuel Macron said these actions could draw the region into an “endless cycle of war.”
Ceasefire talks are ongoing with Qatar and Egypt as mediators. Hamas announced it had accepted a proposal for a 60-day truce and the release of some hostages. However, Israel is demanding the release of all captives. So far, more than 62,000 people have been killed in Gaza.
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