Israel to Add 50,000 Reservists for Gaza Offensive

The Israeli government is planning to approve an increase of 50,000 military reservists. This would raise the total number of reservists to 450,000. The move is expected to support ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli media reported that the decision will be made during a government meeting in Jerusalem.

The recruitment increase is part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots. This military operation was approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet earlier this month. The operation includes the evacuation of northern Gaza and the occupation of more areas inside the territory.

The number of reservists currently stands at 400,000. The new plan will allow many of them to remain on active duty until at least August 31, 2025. According to media reports, the military began calling up tens of thousands of reservists more than a week ago.

The government says the extra troops are needed to continue combat missions and security operations in Gaza. This includes both ground forces and logistical support. The decision comes at a time when the fighting in Gaza has intensified.

Since the start of the war in October 2023, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed. Most of the victims are women and children. The war started after a deadly attack by Hamas in southern Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people.

In response, Israel launched a large military campaign to remove Hamas from Gaza. The Israeli army has carried out thousands of airstrikes, ground attacks, and evacuations. Many areas in Gaza have been destroyed. Thousands of families have lost their homes.

Humanitarian groups have warned that the situation in Gaza is severe. Food, clean water, and medicine are in short supply. Hospitals are struggling to treat the injured. Aid organizations are calling for more access to help civilians.

The international community has reacted strongly to Israel’s actions. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. The case was brought by South Africa. It claims that Israel is targeting civilians in Gaza in violation of international law.

Despite calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli government continues its operations. Officials say the goal is to stop future attacks and weaken Hamas. Critics say the cost to civilian life is too high.

Inside Israel, protests have grown. Many citizens are angry about the long war and the government’s response. Some are asking for new elections and changes in leadership. There is also concern about how long the war will continue.

The approval of 50,000 more reservists shows that Israel may be preparing for a longer conflict. The government has not shared how long it expects the fighting to last. Analysts say the large increase in troops could mean more ground operations are planned.

The war in Gaza remains one of the world’s most serious crises. Global leaders have asked both sides to find a peaceful solution. So far, no deal has been reached. Until that changes, the suffering in the region is likely to continue.