Israel Pushes Ahead With Gaza City Invasion, Mobilizes 60,000 Reservists

Operation "Chariots of Gideon II"
International Community Voices Concern Over Israeli Military Actions

On August 20 (local time), Israel launched a military operation to seize Gaza City, a densely populated area in the northern Gaza Strip, despite international condemnation.

Israeli military spokesperson Efi Defrin announced at a press conference that day, "In accordance with the instructions of the political leadership and the plan approved by the Chief of Staff, we have begun the second phase of Operation Chariots of Gideon."

On the 20th (local time), an Israeli tank is moving in the Gaza Strip. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The Israeli military's 99th and 162nd divisions have each begun preliminary activities to take control of Gaza City from Zeitoun and Jabalia. An Israeli military official told the Associated Press that, according to military regulations, operations will be conducted in some areas of the Gaza Strip where troops have not yet been deployed.

To reinforce its forces, the Israeli military has issued mobilization orders to 60,000 reservists, with the deadline set for early next month. The call-up period for 20,000 reservists already on duty will also be extended.

The Times of Israel projected that a total of around 130,000 reservists would be deployed in military operations related to Gaza City.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved this plan the previous day. Security sources said that Minister Katz named this operation "Chariots of Gideon II." Israel plans to evacuate about one million residents of Gaza City to the south in an effort to minimize civilian casualties.

The international community has expressed concern over Israel's military actions. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated that Israel's attack on Gaza has led to massacre and starvation, and furthermore, is destroying any possibility of peace in the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that this offensive would bring about a true catastrophe and drag the region into a permanent state of war.

However, if Israel and Hamas reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages, the plan to seize Gaza City may be canceled. The previous day, Hamas announced its willingness to accept a new negotiation proposal put forward by mediators such as Egypt and Qatar. A senior Israeli official told the Times of Israel that there are currently no plans to send a team to participate in negotiations in Qatar or Egypt.