Sixth Day of Israel-Palestine Clashes... Over 2,300 Deaths on Both Sides
360,000 Israeli Reservists... Elderly Also Volunteering
"Fastest Reservist Mobilization Ever" Ground Offensive Imminent
As ground combat in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas is anticipated, attention is drawn to elderly individuals who have surpassed the reserve military service age choosing to enlist.
With the war that began on the 7th due to Hamas's surprise attack entering its sixth day and the death toll on both sides exceeding 2,300, escalating the threat of war, the Israeli military set a goal to mobilize 300,000 reservists. So far, about 360,000 reservists have been called up, accounting for 4% of Israel's population.
Ezra Yachin, who volunteered for the Israeli reserves at the age of 95, stands holding a rifle. [Image source=Captured from Israel National News X]
Among them are those who voluntarily enlisted despite being over the reserve service age (40), including Ezra Yachin (95), who is registered as the oldest reservist, according to reports by the UK Guardian and others on the 10th (local time).
Photos released by local media show Yachin, with his white hair, wearing an old military uniform and holding a rifle. He is said to have been active in the quasi-military organization 'Lehi,' which existed before the founding of Israel, fighting against British forces and Arabs.
Even if he does not directly engage in combat, he is expected to motivate the Israeli military by sharing how he survived in Jerusalem, where massacres occurred in the past, as they face the enemy forces.
Noam Ranir (56), an Israeli businessman who volunteered along with his two sons, said, "I lost my father, uncle, and cousin in the Yom Kippur War," adding, "Now it's my turn." He emphasized, "I am sending private jets to those coming to Israel. We survived Auschwitz and Yom Kippur, so we will survive this time as well."
Reserve mobilization faster than the 4th Middle East War... Increased flights
On the 10th (local time), Israeli youths are waiting to board an aircraft under the 'reservist mobilization order' at an airport in Lima, Peru. [Image source=Yonhap News]
During the 4th Middle East War, known as the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel mobilized about 400,000 reservists. According to authorities, the current reserve mobilization speed is much faster than then. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said that 300,000 reservists were mobilized within 48 hours, stating, "We have never mobilized so many reservists so quickly."
In addition, Israel is adding flights to gather reservists from around the world. On this day, the airline 'Israir' announced it would provide flights returning to Israel from Larnaca in Cyprus, Corfu in Greece, and Batumi in Georgia.
Israel's national airline 'El Al' offers flights departing from Athens, Greece, and 'Arkia Airlines' provides flights returning to Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, from Marrakech, Morocco.
Ground forces deployment in Israel expected soon
While Israel continues airstrike attacks against Hamas, reports have emerged that ground forces will be deployed soon. It is reported that soldiers, including 300,000 reservists, and tanks have already begun gathering near the Gaza Strip.
According to the Israeli Embassy to the United Nations on the 11th, at least 1,008 people have died and 3,418 have been injured in Israel so far. It is estimated that Hamas holds between 100 and 150 Israeli military officers, residents, and foreigners as hostages. At least 900 children and women have reportedly died within the Gaza Strip.
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