The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it will soon mobilize two divisions of reserve forces for operations in the Gaza Strip, where it is waging a war against Hamas.
According to the military, “Based on the situation assessment, the Israeli Army will mobilize up to two reserve brigades to conduct operational activities on the Gaza front,” without providing further details.
Earlier this month, Israel withdrew some of its forces from Gaza, stating that the forces would prepare for further operations in the sector, including the southern Rafah area, where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to evacuate civilians from Rafah before any sweeping operation aimed at crushing the Hamas battalions there. However, this has done little to alleviate international concerns regarding the planned attack.
The announcement comes days after the army withdrew all its forces from Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, leaving only one battalion to conduct operations throughout the sector.
Hostages in Rafah:
In related news, Israel announced that Hamas is holding hostages in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. Despite international warnings about the consequences of such a step, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to launch a ground operation.
Army spokesperson Daniel Hegari stated, “Hamas continues to hold our hostages in Gaza. We also have hostages in Rafah, and we will do everything in our power to bring them back.”
Recent developments in the ongoing conflict in Gaza have significantly intensified, leading to heightened international concerns. The situation has seen a massive toll on human life and infrastructure, with over 33,000 Palestinians reported killed amid ongoing clashes and what are described as daily massacres. Israeli military actions have extended beyond Gaza, impacting the broader Middle East region. Notably, there has been an increase in cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Efforts for a ceasefire have been ongoing, with negotiations taking place involving international parties including the United States, Qatar, and Hamas, though Israeli representatives have not been reported as part of these discussions. The United Nations has expressed deep concerns about the potential for the conflict to trigger a broader Middle Eastern crisis.
