Israel says it has taken first steps of military operation in Gaza city

Israel’s military called up tens of thousands of reservists as the government considered a ceasefire proposal to pause nearly two years of war

Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Picture: AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana

Israel’s military announced the first steps of an operation to take over Gaza City on Wednesday and called up tens of thousands of reservists while the government considered a new ceasefire proposal to pause nearly two years of war.

"We have begun the preliminary operations and the first stages of the attack on Gaza City, and already now IDF forces are holding the outskirts of Gaza City," Brigadier General Effie Defrin, Israel's military spokesperson, told reporters.