Israel Widen Offensive in Gaza City, Mobilizes Tens of Thousands of Reservists

Strategic Insights -

As Israel's war against Hamas militants intensifies, the country has begun mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists and repeating evacuation warnings in Gaza City, which has sparked opposition domestically and condemnation abroad. The call-up, announced last month, comes as ground and air forces press forward, striking parts of Zeitoun and Shijaiyah neighborhoods in western Gaza City. These neighborhoods have been repeatedly invaded during the nearly two-year war, with Zeitoun transformed into a "dangerous combat zone" by Israel's military. The war has resulted in the deaths of at least 63,633 Palestinians, with women and children making up around half of the dead, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israel has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists to widen its offensive in Gaza City, sparking opposition domestically and condemnation abroad.
  • The call-up was announced last month, as ground and air forces press forward, striking parts of Zeitoun and Shijaiyah neighborhoods in western Gaza City.
  • Zeitoun, once Gaza City's largest neighborhood, has been transformed into a "dangerous combat zone" with streets being emptied and buildings reduced to rubble.
  • The war has killed at least 63,633 Palestinians, with women and children making up around half of the dead, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
  • A total of 160,914 people have been wounded as of Tuesday, according to the Health Ministry.
  • Some reservists are refusing to serve again, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political purposes instead of reaching a hostage deal with Hamas.
  • At least 47 people have been killed across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Tuesday, according to hospitals.
  • A strike on a residential building in Gaza City's Tel al-Hawa neighborhood killed 15 people, including at least three children, according to Shifa Hospital.

Statistics:

  • At least 60,000 reservists will be gradually called up, Israel's military said last month.
  • The war started when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people hostage.
  • A total of 63,633 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
  • 160,914 people have been wounded as of Tuesday, according to the Health Ministry.
  • Women and children make up around half of the dead, according to the Health Ministry.
  • At least 47 people have been killed across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Tuesday, according to hospitals.
  • 15 people, including at least three children, were killed in a strike on a residential building in Gaza City's Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, according to Shifa Hospital.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • Gaza's Health Ministry
  • Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu