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Israel Begins Gaza City Push, Calls Up 60,000 Reservists

Mediators await Israel’s response to a Hamas‑accepted 60‑day truce tied to staged hostage releases.

A picture taken on August 18, 2025, shows tents housing displaced Palestinians in Gaza City.
GAZA BORDER, ISRAEL - AUGUST 18: IDF soldiers prepare tanks on August 18, 2025 near the Gaza Strip's northern borders, Israel. On Monday it was reported that Hamas has agreed to the most recent ceasefire and hostage release proposal with Israel. Meanwhile, Israel has continued carrying out strikes in Gaza as part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to expand the IDF offensive to fully occupy the enclave. The move has been met with widespread condemnation by the international community, as well as hostage families, who say the operation will further endanger the 20 or hostages still believed to be held alive by Hamas in Gaza, as well as one million Palestinians in Gaza City, who are already facing displacement and an acute hunger crisis. (Photo by Elke Scholiers/Getty Images)
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Palestinians inspect the site of an overnight Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City, August 20, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas

Overview

  • Israel’s military says preliminary operations are underway with forces holding positions on Gaza City’s outskirts and conducting groundwork in Zeitoun and Jabalia.
  • Defense leaders approved plans for an expanded operation targeting Hamas strongholds, with most reservists to report in September and service extended for about 20,000 others.
  • Clashes were reported near Khan Younis as the IDF detailed recent strikes designed to set conditions for a larger push into densely populated areas.
  • U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire as aid agencies warned of mass displacement and worsening famine; Gaza’s health ministry reports more than 62,000 dead since 2023.
  • Hamas says it accepted a mediator‑backed 60‑day ceasefire linked to hostage and prisoner exchanges, and Israel is reviewing the proposal; Israeli officials say roughly 50 hostages remain and estimate about 20 are alive.