Preparations for a Move on Gaza City Have Started, Israel’s Military Says

Israel’s military appears to have signaled the onset of a new phase in its long-running conflict with Hamas, focusing on a potential offensive against Gaza City. On August 20, 2025, Defense Minister Israel Katz approved a major military operation, codenamed Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, and mobilized approximately 60,000 reservists, alongside extending duties for another 20,000, marking one of the largest call-ups in months The Times of IndiaAP NewsFinancial Times.

According to military officials, this move is intended to dismantle Hamas’s remaining operational centers, particularly its extensive tunnel networks, and assert control over Gaza city — widely regarded as the militant group’s military and administrative stronghold AP NewsReuters+1ABCCBS News. Israeli forces have already begun operations in neighborhoods such as Zeitoun and Jabaliya in preparation AP NewsCBS NewsReuters+1The Times of Israel. The full-scale assault could unfold within days, with military planners projecting the campaign might span four to six months CBS News.

This escalation unfolds despite recent international efforts toward a ceasefire. Qatar and Egypt have mediated a 60-day truce proposal, which Hamas has accepted. The plan includes releasing some hostages and exchanging prisoners, but Israel has yet to formally respond, reiterating its demand that all of the approximately 50 hostages still believed to be in Gaza must be released before any halting of operations ReutersAP NewsFinancial TimesThe Times.

Humanitarian groups and the UN have sounded the alarm, warning that an assault on Gaza City could deepen an already dire humanitarian crisis. They cite risks of mass displacement, starvation, and civilian casualties in a territory where infrastructure is heavily degraded and the population largely displaced AP NewsThe Washington PostReutersFinancial Times. Israeli officials claim evacuation warnings will be issued to residents ahead of any offensive ReutersAP News.

Domestically, the decision has sparked significant dissent. Tens of thousands of Israelis, including relatives of hostages, have taken to the streets in cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, demanding a ceasefire. Veteran commanders and families of soldiers argue the offensive risks undermining hostage safety and could prevent their return The Washington PostAP NewsReuters.

Israeli political dynamics have also played a role. Prime Minister Netanyahu, facing pressure from far-right coalition members, is steadfast in rejecting partial agreements, seeing the offensive as essential to remove Hamas as a threat and secure the hostages’ release ReutersFinancial TimesThe Times.

The war, ignited by Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023 attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 kidnappings, has since claimed the lives of over 62,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry ReutersFinancial TimesAP News.

As Israeli forces prepare to escalate military operations in Gaza City, the international community watches closely. The next few days could determine whether diplomacy stands a chance or if the battle over Gaza City is about to intensify — with serious consequences for all involved.