Military tension mounts for Israel prior to potential Gaza operation
In a significant development, Israel's army has announced the expansion of combat operations in Gaza, mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists for the planned takeover of the city of Gaza. The demands of this war, which has seen hundreds of thousands mobilized, are extreme, leading to marriages breaking down and high economic costs for Israel.
The unconfirmed number of reservists mobilized does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that "What started in Gaza must end in Gaza." However, a majority of the population reportedly wants an agreement with the Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas to end the war and free the last hostages in Gaza.
Amidst this, a group of nearly 400 reservists has threatened to refuse to comply with a mobilization order, stating they refuse to participate in Netanyahu's illegal war. A medic who recently served in Gaza stated that they are now dying for no reason, and there's nothing more to gain militarily.
Commanders are facing difficulties in mobilizing enough reservists for the planned capture of the city of Gaza. Many reservists are facing tough decisions due to personal and ideological reasons. A reserve officer who has already spent 550 days on duty stated that the war is tiring and painful, but it's necessary in the interest of Israel and democracies worldwide.
On the other hand, some reservists are reportedly questioning the purpose of the war and are exhausted after nearly two years of fighting on several fronts. Despite these statements, Zamir, the army chief, has warned reservists about intensifying attacks in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has addressed regular soldiers, reservists, and their families, stating that they are facing the decisive phase of the war. The Israeli security cabinet has approved the takeover of the city of Gaza in the northern part of the coastal strip. The army has begun preparations to seize the city and already controls its outer districts.
A military spokesman has explained that evacuation is inevitable for the city's inhabitants, with hundreds of thousands of people said to be in Gaza. Tents are being prepared for evacuated people in the south of the Gaza Strip, but living conditions there are reported to be catastrophic according to aid organizations.
Over 63,600 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, according to the health authority controlled by Hamas. Many relatives of the hostages accuse Netanyahu of unnecessarily prolonging the war for political reasons. Zamir, the army chief, has stated that Hamas will not be able to hide, and the war will not end until the enemy is defeated.
Despite the challenges, it seems that the path to peace remains a contentious issue, with calls for a deal to free more hostages coming from unexpected quarters. The future of Gaza hangs in the balance as both sides dig in their heels, with the lives of countless civilians and soldiers caught in the crossfire.
