Israel has begun its ground operation in Gaza City, Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Tuesday.
“We are going to increase and enhance the strikes of our operation, and that is why we called you,” Zamir said in Hebrew, addressing reservists who have been called up to serve in recent weeks. “We have already begun the ground operation in Gaza [City].”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also released a message addressing IDF reservists Tuesday.
“I want to strengthen and express my deep appreciation to you, IDF soldiers and reserve soldiers and your families,” Netanyahu said in the video message in Hebrew. “Now we are facing the decisive stage. I believe in you, I trust you and the entire nation embraces you.”
Netanyahu approved the military’s plans to seize Gaza City last month.
Smoke billows from bombardment in the Gaza Strip as pictured from a position across the border with the Palestinian territory in southern Israel on Sept. 2, 2025.
Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images
Last month, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza City could “turn into Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” areas that were destroyed by Israeli strikes, unless Hamas agreed to Israel’s terms for a ceasefire.
“Soon, the gates