The Israeli military has begun summoning tens of thousands of reservists as it prepares to escalate its operations in the Gaza Strip, signaling a renewed push to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages still held inside the besieged territory.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced plans to “intensify and expand” its campaign, aiming to dismantle Hamas infrastructure both above and below ground. The move follows approval from the Israeli security cabinet and will reportedly be implemented after former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week.

Critics argue the military strategy has failed to secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages—of whom only 24 are believed to be alive—since the collapse of a two-month ceasefire in March. No hostages have been freed since Israel resumed its assault on March 18, while swathes of Gaza have been overtaken and hundreds of thousands more civilians displaced.

Humanitarian groups accuse Israel of enforcing a blockade that has led to extreme shortages of essential supplies, calling it a deliberate policy of starvation—an accusation the Israeli government denies.

The strain is also being felt within Israel. Many reservists, repeatedly called up since the war began in October 2023, are voicing fatigue and opposition. Thousands have petitioned for a shift in strategy, urging the government to focus on a deal with Hamas to ensure the hostages' return.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing domestic pressure, with protesters and hostages' families accusing him of prolonging the war for political gain—charges he denies. Notably, he has yet to present a clear post-war plan for Gaza.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to flare. Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile that struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion airport, prompting Netanyahu to vow retaliation. Hamas officials report dozens killed in fresh airstrikes over the weekend.

Source: BBC

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