'Israel' orders expansion of Gaza operations after reservist call-up

'Israeli' Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir announced on Sunday that the military has issued orders to call up tens of thousands of reservists to support and expand operations in the Gaza Strip.

Zamir said the 'Israeli' army would intensify its campaign in Gaza “to increase military pressure and restore the hostiges,” referring to 'Israeli captive held in Gaza. 

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Hebrew media reported that the 'Israeli' army has begun the first phase of expanding ground operations in the Gaza Strip by issuing call-up orders for approximately 60,000 reservists in preparation for an expected escalation.

According to Haaretz, citing military sources, the call-up will proceed gradually under a plan developed by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. This plan was recently presented to 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz during an official meeting.

'Israel's' Kan broadcaster reported that the plan includes evacuating civilians from Gaza City and northern and central areas of the Strip, similar to the Rafah operation. It also involves establishing military control over specific zones, conducting sweeps, and maintaining a prolonged presence.

The operation has reportedly been dubbed "Small Gaza," with the goal of geographically shrinking the territory, amid stalled negotiations over Israeli captives in Gaza, according to 'Israeli' sources.

The plan also includes setting up temporary "humanitarian compounds" for aid distribution, modeled after the current complex in southern Gaza between the Morag and Philadelphi routes, with tight security.

Channel 14 reported that the 'Israeli' army has started relocating regular forces from the West Bank and northern Israel to the Gaza front as part of preparations to expand the ground offensive, pending final approval from the security cabinet.

Further reports indicate that the next phase will significantly increase military pressure on Hamas, with the decision to escalate closely tied to developments regarding the captives.