By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
The IDF has launched the first phase of its invasion of Gaza City, with forces now holding positions on the outskirts of the city, IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed on Wednesday.
He said 60,000 conscription letters will be issued this week, with another 20,000 later this month, as Israel intensifies operations to dismantle Hamas strongholds.
Defrin added that the army is working to secure evacuation routes and designated areas for civilians, allowing Gazans access to humanitarian aid and medical treatment.
The announcement came hours after IDF soldiers repelled one of the largest Hamas raids in months.
At least 18 terrorists emerged from a tunnel near Khan Yunis and opened fire with machine guns and RPGs, attempting to storm an IDF encampment.
Ten of the attackers were killed in exchanges of fire and in airstrikes, while others fled back into the tunnel.
Three Israeli soldiers from the Kfir Brigade were wounded in the battle, one seriously.
Footage released by the IDF showed airstrikes and tanks targeting the attackers, including a scene in which a Hamas terrorist was neutralized at close range.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz are expected Thursday to approve the military’s plan for the conquest of Gaza City.
The meeting takes place amid a Hamas-backed proposal, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, for a partial deal that would involve a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living hostages.
Netanyahu has ordered the timeline for operations to be accelerated.
“Shorten the timeline for taking control of the last terrorist strongholds and defeating Hamas,” he said.
Mediating officials told The Jerusalem Post the outline is close to an earlier framework accepted by Israel, with remaining gaps that “can be bridged within days.”
