Israel says it has taken first steps of military operation in Gaza City

Israel says it has taken first steps of military operation in Gaza City

Israel’s military said on Wednesday it had begun the initial stages of a planned operation to take control of Gaza City, the largest population centre in the Gaza Strip. 

Brigadier General Effie Defrin, an Israeli military spokesman, told reporters that IDF forces had begun “preliminary operations” and were holding the outskirts of Gaza City. He said the military intended to deepen its attack on Hamas strongholds in the city.

The Israeli military and government announced measures to expand manpower ahead of the campaign: officials and multiple reports said Israel would call up tens of thousands of reservists — with around 60,000 cited in several accounts — though many reservists were not expected to report for duty until September. 

Fighting and strikes continued elsewhere in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, including clashes south of Khan Younis that Israeli officials said involved exchanges with Hamas fighters. News outlets and on-the-ground reporting described ongoing bombardments and smoke rising over parts of Gaza City. 

Diplomatic efforts and a proposed ceasefire remained active at the time of the announcements. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar — and other intermediaries reported in recent days — were involved in talks over a truce and hostage-exchange proposals; Israeli officials said they were considering a new ceasefire proposal while maintaining military options. 

Humanitarian and casualty reporting continued to be provided by Gaza health authorities and aid organizations; outlets cited Gaza health officials and aid groups reporting high numbers of civilian casualties and widespread displacement as the conflict continued.

Israeli and Palestinian official statements, and international reporting, were evolving through the day. The details above are drawn from contemporaneous reporting and official statements released on Aug. 20, 2025.