JERUSALEM – On Wednesday, an official from the Israeli military announced that the nation’s top generals have okayed the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists. This move is to kickstart a new phase targeting some of Gaza’s most crowded regions.

A military official, speaking anonymously due to regulations, mentioned that operations will advance into sections of Gaza City where Israeli forces have not yet ventured, areas still influenced by Hamas.

Currently, Israeli forces are active in the Zeitoun and Jabaliya neighborhoods of Gaza City, setting the stage for a broader operation, anticipated to get the green light from the chief of staff shortly.

The start date of the operation remains uncertain. However, the official noted that 50,000 reservists will be summoned in the upcoming month, nearly boosting the reservist numbers to 120,000.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the goal was to free the remaining hostages and ensure that neither Hamas nor other militants could ever pose a threat to Israel again.

The conflict ignited when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in around 1,200 deaths, mainly civilians, and 251 abductions. Most hostages have been released through ceasefires or other agreements. Hamas insists it will release the rest only in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and an Israeli exit.

The planned offensive into Gaza City and the central camps has heightened international condemnation of Israel and fueled fears of another mass displacement among Palestinians.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are sheltering in the city and its holds some of the last remnants of critical infrastructure remaining in Gaza.

Mediators and Hamas say they have agreed to cease-fire terms, but Israel’s response remains unclear as members of Netanyahu’s coalition oppose a phased deal that doesn’t “complete the defeat of Hamas.”