The Israeli army has begun mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists as it prepares to widen its military operations across Gaza.
This move comes as the conflict, which reignited after a ceasefire collapsed in mid-March, continues with no signs of a diplomatic breakthrough.
The decision to intensify the offensive follows the approval of a new phase of the war by Israel’s security cabinet. The military plans to move into new areas of Gaza, aiming to dismantle infrastructure both on the surface and underground. This includes an ongoing mission to recover hostages still held by Hamas and to cripple the group’s capabilities.
Despite the stated goals, critics argue that the strategy has not succeeded in freeing any Israeli hostages since operations resumed on March 18. Currently, 59 hostages are believed to still be in Gaza, with just 24 thought to be alive. Families of those held captive have increasingly demanded that the government shift its focus from military pressure to negotiation, which they believe is the only path to saving their loved ones.
The upcoming escalation is not expected to begin until after U.S. President Donald Trump visits the region next week. Until then, Israeli forces continue to operate in areas they’ve already seized, with more than 2,400 Palestinians killed since the fighting resumed in March, according to health officials in Gaza.
For many Israelis, the expansion of the war is raising serious concerns. Protests have broken out across the country, with demonstrators accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict for political survival. Netanyahu has faced growing criticism from hostages’ families and reservists alike. Thousands of reservists have issued public letters demanding an end to the fighting and a renewed push for a deal.
Reservists are under increasing strain, with many being recalled for multiple tours since the war began nearly 19 months ago. Some have been deployed five or six times, leading to worries about morale and the sustainability of military pressure.
The broader humanitarian picture in Gaza remains dire. Aid agencies have warned that the ongoing blockade is creating severe shortages of food, water, and medicine. They describe the situation as catastrophic, saying civilians are being pushed to the brink. Israel has denied accusations that its tactics amount to collective punishment or war crimes.
International efforts to broker a new ceasefire have so far failed. Qatar, which has mediated in previous talks, reported only minimal progress toward a new deal. Meanwhile, violence continues to spread beyond Gaza. On Sunday, a missile fired from Yemen by Houthi fighters landed near Israel’s Ben Gurion airport. In response, the Houthis threatened to enforce an “aerial blockade” by targeting Israeli airports.
Back in Gaza, local health authorities reported that 40 more people were killed in the past day alone. The cumulative death toll in the territory has surpassed 52,500 since the war began in October 2023. The conflict initially erupted after Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
As the war drags on, public pressure is mounting, and key questions remain unanswered — including what Israel’s long-term plan for Gaza will be once the fighting ends. For now, the government is pushing ahead with its military plans, while many in the country continue to call for a different path.