Israel Launches Gaza City Operation Calls Up Reservists Amid Truce Talks

Israel’s military announced on August 20 that it had begun initial operations aimed at taking control of Gaza City. The announcement came as the government called up tens of thousands of reservists while considering a new ceasefire proposal to pause nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Brigadier-General Effie Defrin, Israel’s military spokesperson, told reporters that “preliminary operations and the first stages of the attack on Gaza City have begun, and Israeli forces are already holding the outskirts of the city.” He described Hamas as a “battered and bruised” group after repeated clashes with Israeli troops.

Earlier, on August 20, a military official said that reserve soldiers would not report for duty until September. This delay allows time for mediators to attempt a truce agreement between Hamas and Israel. However, after clashes in Gaza City that same day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the timeline for capturing Hamas strongholds had been accelerated. The Israeli government aims to defeat the militant group that initiated the conflict with a large-scale attack on Israel in October 2023.

Israel Presses Ahead Despite International Concerns

The Israeli government’s statements signal that it is moving forward with its plan to take Gaza City, Israel’s largest urban area in the Gaza Strip, despite warnings from the international community. The operation is expected to displace many Palestinians, raising concerns among foreign governments and humanitarian organizations.

Brigadier-General Defrin said that Israeli troops were operating on the city’s outskirts and that Hamas fighters would face a “deepened attack” in what he called a hub of both military and governmental activity for the militant group.

Hamas Accuses Israel of Blocking Ceasefire

In response, Hamas accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of blocking efforts for a ceasefire. In a statement posted on Telegram, the group said that Israel’s refusal to consider the truce proposal showed it was the real obstacle to peace.

Hamas has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal put forward by Arab mediators, which includes the release of some remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Israel, however, demands that all 50 remaining hostages be released at once. Officials believe around 20 hostages are still alive.

Plans to Expand Military Campaign

The Israeli Security Cabinet, chaired by Netanyahu, approved a plan earlier this month to expand military operations in Gaza, specifically targeting Gaza City. Israel currently controls about 75 percent of the Gaza Strip after months of airstrikes and ground operations.

Some members of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition are pushing for the continued war and even the annexation of territory in Gaza. On August 20, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich approved a controversial settlement plan in the occupied West Bank, which many critics say diminishes the possibility of a future Palestinian state.

Gaza Conflict Background

The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israeli communities. The attack killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, including children. Since then, over 62,000 Palestinians have died due to Israel’s air and ground operations, with many victims reported to be women and children.

Fears of Civilian Casualties

Many international leaders and civilians in Gaza fear that an assault on Gaza City will lead to high casualties. Israel claims it will allow civilians to leave the city before military operations begin. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which manages Gaza’s only Catholic Church, reported that residents in neighborhoods near the parish have begun receiving evacuation notices.

Recent Clashes Between Israeli Troops and Hamas

On August 20, Israeli troops clashed with more than 15 Hamas fighters who emerged from tunnel shafts near Khan Younis, south of Gaza City. The fighters attacked with gunfire and anti-tank missiles, severely wounding one soldier and lightly wounding two others. Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed the attack, stating that one fighter detonated explosives among Israeli soldiers, causing casualties.

Destruction in Gaza

The conflict has caused widespread destruction across the Gaza Strip, which is home to around 2.3 million people. Many homes, schools, and mosques have been destroyed. Israel has accused Hamas of using civilian buildings for military purposes, a claim Hamas denies.

Public Opinion and International Pressure

Polls indicate strong support among Israelis for ending the war if it ensures the release of hostages. A rally in Tel Aviv on August 16 drew large crowds urging the government to pursue a hostage release deal. Meanwhile, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll in the United States found that 58 percent of Americans believe every United Nations member should recognize Palestine as a nation.

Israel has begun military operations in Gaza City while calling up tens of thousands of reservists. Despite Hamas agreeing to a truce proposal, Israel insists on full hostage release. Clashes continue, and civilians face growing risks amid an escalating conflict that has already caused massive casualties and destruction in Gaza.