The Israeli military is preparing to invade Gaza City even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu weighs Hamas’ most recent ceasefire

Israel plans Gaza City offensive, calling 60,000 reservists; Hamas accepts 60-day ceasefire proposal with hostage swaps.

A key mediator on Gaza is stressing the urgency of brokering a ceasefire after Hamas showed a “positive response” to a proposal

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military said Wednesday that it will call up 60,000 reservists ahead of an expanded military operation in Gaza City, where many Palestinians have chosen to stay despite the danger as seeking safety seems increasingly futile amid the growing humanitarian crisis.

The IDF's upcoming offensive in Gaza comes amid approval of 3,400 new housing units in the occupied West Bank, a move that sparked international alarm and reignited debate over the future of a Palestinian state.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday authorised a military plan to seize Gaza City and approved the mobilisation of nearly 60,000 reservists. The decision comes even as international mediators await Israel’s formal reply to a ceasefire framework backed by Hamas.

Displaced residents of Gaza City are split over a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that could allow them to return to their homes.

Some members of Israel’s coalition have ruled out a proposed hostage deal with Hamas, but the prime minister has yet to state his position.