IDF to call up for 60,000 reservists to ‘conquer’ Gaza City

Defense Minister Katz approved the call-ups, swelling the number of reservists serving in the IDF to 130,000.

By World Israel News Staff

The Israeli army is preparing to issue call-up orders to some 60,000 reservists as part of an operation to “conquer” Gaza City, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge that military operations in the Strip will expand after ceasefire and hostage deal negotiations with Hamas stalled.

According to security sources, Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the call-ups, which will bring the army’s reserve forces to about 130,000 soldiers in total, including those already serving.

Hebrew-language media reported that not all of the 60,000 reservists will take part in the planned Gaza City incursion. Some will instead provide relief and support for other troops stationed elsewhere.

Military officials estimate that about one million residents of Gaza City will be displaced during the fighting, with most expected to seek refuge in the southern Strip.

Katz was said to have approved “humanitarian preparations” to accommodate them.

Even before the expected incursion, tens of thousands of Gaza City residents have already begun to flee.

“I am heading south because I need to ease my mental state,” Mousa Obaid told Reuters.

“I do not want to keep moving left and right endlessly. There is no life left, and as you can see, living conditions are hard, prices are high, and we have been without work for over a year and a half. It is very, very difficult.”

Residents reported that Israeli troops are already operating on the outskirts of Gaza City.

Gaza City local Sabah Fatoum told AFP that she hears “massive explosions” regularly.

“There are many airstrikes, and tanks are advancing in the southern area of Tal al-Hawa with drones above our heads,” she said.

“The tanks are still there, and I saw dozens of civilians fleeing” outside the city limits, Fatoum added.