Israel Steps Up Gaza City Offensive As Netanyahu Calls For Swift Hamas Defeat

Last Updated:August 21, 2025, 02:03 IST

Israel has announced plans to call up 60,000 reservists in preparation for the expanded military campaign.

The renewed assault on Gaza comes amid a new ceasefire proposal from Hamas (AFP)

Israel is ramping up its military efforts to take control of Gaza City, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging a rapid offensive against what he called terrorist strongholds. In a statement issued Wednesday, Netanyahu called for a quick and swift capture of key Hamas positions in Gaza and thanked reservist forces for their participation, which was confirmed earlier in the day by the IDF chief of staff.

According to a report by Haaretz, Netanyahu also addressed recent internal disagreements within his government. In a televised interview, he clarified that he does not “intend to build settlements in Gaza,” countering recent remarks by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. “Ask me what my finance minister says, I say I disagree with him, and he’s entitled to say his things,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli military has already begun its offensive into the city. Brigadier General Effie Defrin, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), confirmed on Wednesday that “preliminary operations and the first stages of the attack on Gaza City” have begun. He stated that Israeli forces have now reached the outskirts of Gaza City, signaling the beginning of a potentially broader and more intense phase of the war.

Israel has announced plans to call up 60,000 reservists in preparation for the expanded military campaign. According to the Associated Press, troops are currently active in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City as well as in Jabaliya, a densely populated refugee camp in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. These areas are reportedly being prepared as launch points for the upcoming offensive, which could begin within days.

The renewed assault on Gaza comes amid a new ceasefire proposal from Hamas. The offer reportedly includes a 60-day truce, the staggered exchange of captives and Palestinian prisoners, and improved humanitarian aid access. Netanyahu, however, reiterated last week that any potential agreement must guarantee “all the hostages are released at once and according to our conditions for ending the war.”

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continues to climb. According to Al Jazeera, at least 81 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn on Wednesday, including 30 who were reportedly seeking food and aid.

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