Background on Key Figures and Context
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, heads the security cabinet that authorized a military takeover plan for Gaza City and adjacent refugee camps earlier this month. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, approved the plan and ordered the mobilization of 60,000 reserve soldiers to carry out this mission.
The Military Operation and Its Progression
The military operation in Gaza City and its surroundings is described as “progressive, precise, and selective,” according to a military official. Over the past 22 months of conflict, Israel has captured approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip. Recently, Israeli forces intensified their aerial attacks and ground operations in Gaza City and neighboring refugee camps, which are considered Hamas’ last strongholds.
- Israeli forces aim to conquer specific neighborhoods, such as Zeitún in Gaza City, with the next target being Al Sabra.
- The military operation is expected to continue until 2026, according to military radio.
Local civil defense reported 21 fatalities on Wednesday due to Israeli attacks and shootings.
International Reactions and Proposed Tregua
Two previous truces, in November 2023 and early 2025, allowed the return of live captives and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel continues to blockade Gaza and its over two million inhabitants, who face the threat of “generalized famine,” according to the United Nations. Israel denies these accusations, stating that more aid has been permitted in recent weeks.
The conflict began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages, including 49 still held captive in Gaza, with 27 confirmed dead, according to the Israeli military.
Israeli retaliation in Gaza has led to the deaths of around 62,064 people, mostly civilians, as reported by the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, which is governed by Hamas and deemed reliable by the UN.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Benjamin Netanyahu? Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel, heading the security cabinet that authorized the military takeover plan for Gaza City.
- What is the purpose of mobilizing 60,000 reserve soldiers? The mobilization of these reserve soldiers is to carry out the approved military plan for taking control of Gaza City and adjacent refugee camps.
- What is the current status of proposed truces? A new truce proposal has been put forward by mediators (Egypt, Qatar, and the US), but Israel has not yet formally responded. This proposal is based on a previous plan by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which included the release of ten live captives and the remains of 18 deceased individuals in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and negotiations to end the war. The remaining captives would be released in a subsequent phase of negotiations.
- How has the conflict impacted Gaza’s population? The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over two million Palestinians facing the threat of “generalized famine,” according to the UN. Israel denies these accusations but has been criticized for its blockade of the region.
