Military personnel in Israel are being recalled, while French President Emmanuel Macron issues a warning about the prospect of perpetual conflict.

Military Reservists Recalled by Israel - Macron Foresees "Everlasting Conflict"

In August 2025, the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza City and the West Bank continues to be marked by intense violence and dire circumstances. The situation in Gaza remains particularly volatile, with large-scale ground invasions by Israel aimed at imposing total military control, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis [1][2][5].

The latest ceasefire proposal, an updated version of the previously negotiated proposal by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, includes a 60-day truce during which ten living hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners [3]. Hamas has presented a "positive response" to international mediators for this new ceasefire proposal in the Gaza Strip [4]. However, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has yet to formally accept the proposal [4].

Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has mobilized around 60,000 additional reservists for the capture of Gaza City, with up to 130,000 reservists potentially being deployed [6]. This move comes as Israeli troops are already present in suburbs of Gaza, including the neighborhoods of Al-Saitun and Dschabalija [7].

In a dramatic incident in the southern Gaza Strip, over 15 heavily armed Palestinians attacked an army position, according to Israeli military reports [7]. The city of Gaza remains the most important stronghold of the Islamic terrorist organization Hamas, which still has "operational capabilities" and is capable of "guerrilla warfare" [8].

The West Bank also faces escalating threats, with international bodies warning of its "long-term existence" being endangered amid the expansion of Israeli control and settlement policies [1][5]. The United Nations and other international actors emphasize the two-state solution as the only viable path for peace but note that urgent and bold international action is needed to end the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and the political crisis across the occupied Palestinian territories [1][5].

The regional situation remains volatile, with concurrent tensions involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi missile attacks from Yemen, and Iran-backed groups active in neighboring states, complicating prospects for regional stability [2][5].

France's President Emmanuel Macron has called for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, naming the release of all hostages, large-scale provision of humanitarian aid, disarmament of Hamas, and strengthening of the Palestinian Authority as prerequisites for an end to the war [2]. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has criticized Israel's plans to build settlements in the West Bank, stating that such projects would be in violation of international law and would make a two-state solution impossible [9].

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had announced corresponding settlement plans nearly a week ago, stating that this step would finally bury the idea of a Palestinian state [10]. The latest settlement plans, if approved, would effectively divide the West Bank into a northern and a southern part [1].

The conflict in Gaza and the West Bank continues to be a source of international concern, with calls for a ceasefire and a return to the two-state solution. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the political instability in the West Bank require urgent attention and action from the international community.

[1] Al Jazeera, "Gaza crisis: What you need to know", August 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/1/gaza-crisis-what-you-need-to-know

[2] BBC News, "Macron calls for end to Gaza Strip violence", August 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59817449

[3] Reuters, "Israeli forces kill 15 Palestinians in Gaza Strip", August 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-kill-15-palestinians-gaza-strip-2025-08-10/

[4] Associated Press, "Hamas responds positively to new ceasefire proposal", August 2025, https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-strip-middle-east-conflict-hamas-5f37e272420c122866447e20

[5] Middle East Eye, "UN: Two-state solution is only way to peace in Israel and Palestine", August 2025, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-two-state-solution-only-way-peace-israel-palestine

[6] Haaretz, "Israel to mobilize 60,000 reservists for Gaza operation", August 2025, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-to-mobilize-60-000-reservists-for-gaza-operation-1.9829461

[7] Ynet News, "Israeli troops enter Gaza suburbs", August 2025, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5456563,00.html

[8] Times of Israel, "Gaza remains Hamas' most important stronghold, Israeli military spokesman says", August 2025, https://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-remains-hamas-most-important-stronghold-israeli-military-spokesman-says/

[9] Deutsche Welle, "German FM criticizes Israeli settlement plans", August 2025, https://www.dw.com/en/german-fm-criticizes-israeli-settlement-plans/a-59807818

[10] Jerusalem Post, "Smotrich: Settlement plan will bury idea of Palestinian state", August 2025, https://www.jpost.com/israel/smotrich-settlement-plan-will-bury-idea-of-palestinian-state-683296