Israel mobilizes 40,000 reservists for new ground offensive in Gaza

Thousands of Israeli reservists are being mobilized as part of a planned ground offensive in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to accelerate the operation in order to take control of Gaza City.

According to Israeli radio, around 40,000 reservists are reporting for duty. The army is making logistical preparations to accommodate them, while preparations for the expansion of the military operation are underway.

At the end of August, the Israeli security cabinet approved the plan to intensify the offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

According to its own statements, Israel currently controls about 75 percent of the territory.
There has recently been tension between Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Zamir had spoken out in favor of a ceasefire to relieve overworked troops and protect the lives of Israeli hostages.

Some reservists also expressed doubts about the offensive's objective and openly criticized the government for its lack of clarity about a post-war plan.

According to Palestinian sources, at least 86 people have been killed in Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours, including civilians in air strikes on the outskirts of Gaza City.

(reuters/sie)