In major escalation, Israel begins new Gaza City offensive, amid global calls for ceasefire

Israel hammered Gaza City and its outskirts overnight, residents said on Thursday, after the defence ministry approved an expanded offensive to target the remaining Hamas strongholds in the strip.

The newly approved plan authorises the call-up of roughly 60,000 reservists, deepening fears the campaign will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.

“We are not waiting. We have begun the preliminary actions, and already now, IDF (army) troops are holding the outskirts of Gaza City,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

Israel’s plans to expand the fighting and take control of Gaza City have sparked international outcry as well as domestic opposition.

Ahead of the offensive, the Israeli military said the call-up of the reservists would begin in early September.

Gaza City residents described relentless bombardments overnight.

“The house shakes with us all night long – the sound of explosions, artillery, warplanes, ambulances, and cries for help is killing us,” Ahmad al-Shanti said.