Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a wider military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli military is calling up tens of thousands of reservists to prepare for this new phase. The goal is to destroy Hamas structures above and below ground. The decision comes as pressure grows at home and abroad over the war’s impact. Many Israelis are demanding a focus on freeing hostages instead of more fighting. No hostages have been released since March. Protests are spreading, and critics say the government has no clear plan. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen each day.
Israeli military plans to expand its operations
The Israel Defense Forces announced that it is preparing to expand operations into new areas of Gaza. Military officials say they aim to remove Hamas’s remaining strongholds, including its tunnel systems.
A detailed plan was presented to Prime Minister Netanyahu on Friday. After review, the Israeli security cabinet approved the operation. It is expected to start after former U.S. President Donald Trump visits Israel next week.
No hostages released since March ceasefire breakdown
Since the end of the ceasefire on March 18, no hostages have been released. Israeli officials report that 59 hostages are still in Gaza. They believe only 24 of them are alive.
International talks to restart a ceasefire or hostage release have not succeeded. This has led to growing public anger and frustration across Israel.
Protests have taken place in major cities, where families are asking for negotiations instead of military action. Many people want the government to change its approach to save the remaining hostages.
Reservists face repeat deployments
Thousands of army reservists have been called up again to prepare for the new offensive. Some have already served multiple times during the conflict.
Many reservists are now openly criticizing the government’s plans. In recent weeks, thousands signed public letters asking for a deal to free the hostages. They are calling for an end to the constant military call-ups.
This continued pressure on reservists is causing more stress among troops and their families. The government has not responded to their concerns.
Netanyahu under political pressure
Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing strong criticism. Opposition leaders and families of hostages say the war is being extended without a clear goal. They argue that a political solution is needed.
Netanyahu denies these claims. But nearly 19 months into the war, he has not shared any post-war plan for Gaza.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. About 1,200 people were killed, and 251 were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a large military operation in Gaza.
Death toll in Gaza continues to rise
The health ministry in Gaza said on Sunday that 40 more people died in the last 24 hours. Another 125 were injured.
The total number of deaths in Gaza is now over 52,500. More than 2,400 people have died since the March 18 ceasefire ended.
Large areas of Gaza have been destroyed. Many families have lost their homes and have no access to clean water, food, or medicine.
Humanitarian groups raise concerns over blockade
Aid groups say Gaza is facing a major humanitarian disaster. Supplies of food and medicine have been blocked for over two months.
Some international organizations say the blockade could be seen as using hunger as a weapon. They warn that this may break international laws.
The Israeli government denies this and says it is using pressure to force Hamas to release the hostages. However, the living conditions in Gaza continue to get worse.
Missile strike near Ben Gurion airport raises tensions
A missile launched from Yemen landed near Israel’s main airport on Sunday. The missile was fired by Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran.
No one was hurt, but the attack increased regional tensions. The rebels later warned that more strikes may follow.
Israel has promised a response. Military leaders are watching for more threats from outside Gaza.
More Israeli soldiers killed in action
Over the weekend, two more Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza. This news has added to public anger.
People are asking how long the war will continue and what the final goal is. Many want answers from the government.
With more reservists being called up and more lives lost, the demand for a new direction is growing stronger.
