The Israeli military has begun mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists in a major escalation of its ongoing conflict in Gaza, signaling the start of an expanded offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced plans to operate in new areas of the enclave and destroy Hamas infrastructure “both above and below ground.” The military said the intensified campaign seeks to increase pressure on the militant group, amid growing criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the nearly 19-month war.
“The military is increasing the pressure to return our hostages and defeat Hamas,” the IDF said. However, no hostages have been released since fighting resumed nearly seven weeks ago, drawing criticism from hostage families and the Israeli public.
Israeli media reports indicate that the security cabinet has approved the expansion, though ground operations are expected to intensify only after former U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the region next week.
Efforts to secure a new ceasefire and negotiate the release of 59 remaining hostages—24 of whom are believed to be alive—have stalled. Protests have reignited across Israel, with hostage families urging the government to pursue a deal instead of further military escalation.
“This is a needless war,” said the mother of one hostage during a demonstration in Tel Aviv on Saturday. “We want our children back. No more politics. No more delay.”
Since the war resumed on March 18, Israeli forces have taken control of large portions of Gaza, triggering mass displacement. Aid groups warn that the ongoing blockade has pushed the enclave deeper into a humanitarian crisis, with acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
“This is a deliberate policy of starvation that could amount to a war crime,” a humanitarian official said. Israel denies the allegation, maintaining the blockade is aimed at crippling Hamas’s operational capacity.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 40 Palestinians were killed and 125 injured in the past 24 hours. The ministry reports more than 52,500 people have been killed since the war began on October 7, 2023, with 2,436 deaths recorded since the renewed offensive began in March.
The conflict was sparked by a surprise Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a wide-scale military campaign, which critics say has yet to achieve a decisive victory or present a post-war vision for Gaza.
Netanyahu has come under growing domestic pressure, with some accusing him of prolonging the war for political survival. While he denies undermining ceasefire talks, he has not outlined a clear plan for Gaza’s future.
Fatigue is growing among Israeli reservists, many of whom have been called up multiple times since the war began. Thousands have signed open letters calling for an end to the conflict and a renewed focus on reaching a hostage deal.
Tensions have also flared on other fronts. On Sunday, a missile fired from Yemen by Iran-backed Houthi rebels landed near Ben Gurion Airport. Netanyahu responded by vowing retaliation, while the Houthis threatened to impose an “aerial blockade” by continuing to target Israeli airports.
The IDF confirmed the deaths of two more soldiers in Gaza on Sunday, further underscoring the war’s toll.
As Israel prepares to intensify its military operations, pressure is mounting at home and abroad for a resolution that balances security with humanitarian responsibility—before more lives are lost.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
