In major escalation, Israel begins new Gaza City offensive, amid global calls for ceasefire
Hamas has condemned the offensive as a ‘blatant disregard’ for mediation efforts, warning the move could scuttle the latest truce proposal
Israel hammered Gaza City and its outskirts overnight, residents said on Thursday, as the military announced it had taken initial steps in its push to capture Hamas’ last major stronghold.
The newly approved plan authorises the call-up of roughly 60,000 reservists, deepening fears the campaign will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
“We are not waiting. We have begun the preliminary actions, and already now, IDF (army) troops are holding the outskirts of Gaza City,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
The Israeli military on Thursday said it had informed medical personnel and aid groups in northern Gaza to prepare evacuation plans ahead of its impending offensive.
“Medical officials and international organisations in the northern Gaza Strip … to prepare for the evacuation of the population to the southern Gaza Strip,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the military had informed relevant parties to begin making plans to relocate hospital equipment.
“The officers emphasised to the medical officials that adjustments are being made to the hospital infrastructure in the south of the Strip to receive the sick and wounded, alongside an increased entry of necessary medical equipment,” said the statement.