Israeli forces start encircling Gaza City in preparation for major offensive, with tens of thousands of reservists called up and Hamas described as 'battered guerrilla force'; operation comes amid new ceasefire proposal and heavy fighting near Khan Younis. Following a clash with Hamas south of Khan Younis on Wednesday, he said: "We will deepen the attack on Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organization."
Defrin said troops had already begun circling the outskirts of Gaza City and Hamas was now a "battered and bruised" guerrilla force. "We have begun the preliminary operations and the first stages of the attack on Gaza City, and already now IDF forces are holding the outskirts of Gaza City," he said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Wednesday that he has ordered a reduction in timelines for taking control of Hamas strongholds and defeating the terrorist group. The statement did not specify the new timelines.
The IDF called up tens of thousands of reservists on Wednesday in preparation for the expected assault on Gaza City, as the Israeli government considered a new proposal for a ceasefire after nearly two years of war. The call-up signals Israel is pressing ahead with its plan to seize Gaza's biggest urban center despite international criticism of an operation likely to force the displacement of many more Palestinians. (Read More)
