Deir al-Balah (Gaza Strip), Sep 2 (AP) Israel has commenced the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists on Tuesday as part of a strategy to expand its offensive in Gaza City. This move has not only stirred opposition within the country but has also attracted international condemnation.
This September call-up, planned last month, unfolds as both ground and air forces intensify operations, targeting the northern and central parts of Gaza, particularly focusing on Zeitoun and Shijaiyah. These neighborhoods in western Gaza City have witnessed several incursions over the 23-month conflict against Hamas militants.
Once bustling with markets, schools, and clinics, Zeitoun, Gaza City's largest neighborhood, has undergone a drastic transformation over the past month. Streets stand deserted, with numerous buildings demolished, turning it into what Israel's military recently termed a “dangerous combat zone.” Gaza City remains a political and military bastion for Hamas and is believed to host an expansive tunnel network despite repeated military actions. The city also serves as a refuge for hundreds of thousands of civilians in the northern strip, who are grappling with the dual threats of active conflict and a looming famine.
The reservist call-up will proceed gradually, encompassing 60,000 individuals, with an extension of active duty service for an additional 20,000 personnel, according to Israel's military announcement last month.
Reports of malnutrition-related deaths have surged since global authorities on food crises declared last month that Gaza City was suffering from famine. Gaza's Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that 185 people succumbed to malnutrition in August, marking the highest monthly toll recently.
According to the ministry, 63,557 Palestinians have lost their lives in the conflict, with 160,660 more wounded. While the ministry, governed by Hamas, does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, it asserts that women and children constitute nearly half of the fatalities. Although recognized by UN agencies and numerous independent experts as a reliable source, Israel disputes these figures yet has not provided an alternative count.
The war broke out on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas-led militants in southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths, mainly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages. While 48 hostages remain within Gaza, around 20 are believed by Israeli authorities to be alive after the release of others through ceasefires and various agreements. (AP)
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