Tel aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a directive for an accelerated occupation of Gaza City, dismissing ongoing ceasefire negotiations awaiting Tel Aviv's response. In a social media post on X, Netanyahu's office revealed that he instructed a shortened timeline for seizing control over Gaza City's remaining strongholds and defeating Hamas.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli army began issuing call-up orders to 60,000 reservists after Defense Minister Israel Katz endorsed plans under Operation Gideon's Chariots 2. This comes on the heels of a previous operation launched on May 16, which failed to meet its primary goals of defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages, despite claims of controlling 75% of the Gaza Strip.
Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli Security Cabinet is set to convene to approve the army's plans, with discussions continuing on a potential hostage deal. Netanyahu appears hesitant about a partial agreement with Hamas but sees Gaza City's occupation as leverage for a comprehensive deal on Israel's terms, including Hamas's disarmament and exclusion from governance.
According to Israel's Channel 14, the army is already active on the outskirts of Gaza City in the Zeitoun neighborhood and Jabalia in northern Gaza. The military plans to redeploy the 98th Division, operating five divisions under Operation Gideon's Chariots 2, with the Security Cabinet set to decide on pursuing a hostage deal or launching a full-scale military operation.
Netanyahu's push for occupation comes as Egypt, Qatar, and the US mediate a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, following Israel's receipt of a proposal accepted by Hamas. This proposal includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities, prisoner exchanges, and increased humanitarian aid, contingent upon Israel's approval.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel's unchanged policy demanding the release of all 50 abductees, amidst reports of more than 62,100 Palestinian deaths in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has left the enclave devastated and facing famine. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity, as Israel faces further legal challenges at the International Court of Justice.