Military forces may need as many as 100,000 reservists for the potential takeover of Gaza.
The Israel-Gaza conflict is escalating as the Israeli military intensifies its campaign to seize full control of Gaza City. Ground troops are already active, targeting terrorist infrastructure both above and underground [2]. This push for control could lead to the widespread destruction of the city and severe civilian casualties.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Gaza City may face a similar fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun if Hamas does not comply with Israel’s terms, including the release of hostages and disarmament [2]. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has stated that the expansion of the Gaza war is aimed at completely dismantling Hamas [1].
However, concerns about the safety of hostages and the potential harm to civilians have not been addressed in the latest updates. The Chief of General Staff had previously expressed concerns about a full-scale conquest of the Gaza Strip, citing personnel shortages, soldier exhaustion, and potential danger to hostages [1]. The security cabinet, however, dismissed these concerns, and the plan was approved by Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir the previous day [1].
The city of Gaza, with its high-rise areas and dense population, is a significant focus of the ongoing conflict. The city is the largest population center in the northern part of the coastal region, with around one million Palestinians living there in dense conditions, accounting for half of the total population [1].
The decision for the new war plan followed the failure of indirect negotiations with Hamas over a new ceasefire and the release of hostages [1]. Israel may mobilize up to 100,000 reservists for the expansion of the war in Gaza, although explicit figures or detailed schedules have not been provided [1].
The international community, particularly the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, is expressing grave concern. The UN human rights office has condemned the “systematic destruction of Gaza City” and cautioned about increasing mass civilian casualties and displacement due to the intensified attacks [1]. Humanitarian entities, including the World Food Programme, stress an urgent need for a ceasefire to enable aid delivery and prevent famine. The food security situation in Gaza City has deteriorated significantly, with a United Nations-backed food security monitor escalating Gaza City to the highest acute food insecurity level (Phase 5), signaling a creeping famine [2].
In summary, Israel is actively escalating military operations to capture Gaza City, with warnings of massive destruction and civilian suffering in Gaza City being issued. No precise figure on reservist mobilization or a fixed timeline for operations has been made public, but the situation suggests imminent intensified military activity. The international community, especially the UN, is urgently calling for humanitarian access and a ceasefire, emphasizing the risk of famine and large-scale displacement. The conflict is expected to continue for an extended period, potentially lasting until 2026, and could worsen the already dire situation of the civilian population in the blockaded coastal strip.
- The European Union and its Member States, along with various international organizations, have expressed grave concerns regarding the ongoing conflict and its potential impact on the civilian population in Gaza City.
- Amidst the escalating war-and-conflicts in Gaza, concerns about crime-and-justice issues such as the safety of hostages and the potential harm to civilians have not been addressed effectively.
- Additionally, the ongoing political tensions between Israel and Gaza (Hamas) have led to general-news matters like the possible starvation of one million Palestinians living in Gaza City due to the deteriorating food security situation.
- Accidents and fires in Gaza City, caused by the intensified attacks, pose a significant risk to civilians, adding another layer of concern to the already worrying situation in the city.
