Tel Aviv: In a major escalation of its military mobilization, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the call-up of an additional 60,000 reservists as part of preparations for a possible ground takeover of Gaza City. The move signals that Israel is preparing for a prolonged and more intense phase of its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

According to the official statement, alongside the fresh call-up, the military has also issued notices to extend the service of 20,000 already-deployed reservists, ensuring that experienced personnel remain active during this critical stage of the conflict.

The IDF emphasized that the decision was made after extensive internal consultations regarding manpower requirements and operational needs. The proposal was subsequently approved by the Israeli Defense Minister, underscoring the urgency and seriousness with which the government views the next phase of its campaign.

Military analysts suggest that the mass mobilization of reservists indicates Israel’s intent to sustain large-scale operations inside Gaza, potentially leading to a full assault on Gaza City, the densely populated urban heart of the enclave. Such an operation would require significant troop deployments for both offensive maneuvers and holding ground once areas are seized.

This announcement comes amid ongoing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where weeks of bombardment have already displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. The possibility of a direct assault on Gaza City raises fears of even higher civilian casualties, mass destruction of infrastructure, and further displacement.

The mobilization of 60,000 new reservists brings the total number of Israeli reservists currently engaged or on standby to several hundred thousand, reflecting the scale of the conflict’s escalation. Observers note that Israel is preparing not just for combat but also for extended urban warfare, which requires large numbers of troops for logistics, intelligence gathering, and area control.

In its statement, the Israeli military framed the call-up as a response to “war requirements and operational necessities,” while stressing that the move had been carefully weighed before receiving ministerial approval.

The development marks another step toward what many believe could be the