The Israeli military has initiated the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists as it prepares to escalate its operations in Gaza. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the objective is to intensify efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza and to dismantle Hamas.
Critics argue that the renewed offensive, which resumed after a ceasefire collapsed, has not resulted in the safe return of hostages and question the clarity of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s goals in the conflict. The military has stated it will target new zones in Gaza and intends to eliminate infrastructure both above and beneath the ground.
Reports from Israeli media indicate that the security cabinet has endorsed this new phase of military action, though implementation may be delayed until after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week.
Efforts by the international community to broker a fresh ceasefire and facilitate the release of the remaining 59 hostages—24 of whom are believed to still be alive—have thus far failed. Since military operations resumed on March 18, no additional Israeli hostages have been released. The renewed campaign has resulted in further displacement of civilians in Gaza, with Israeli forces taking control of significant areas.
Israel claims that its strategy, which includes a blockade on humanitarian aid lasting more than two months, is aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas. However, aid organizations report severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, warning that the blockade could constitute a war crime—an accusation that Israel denies.
The expanded military action is expected to strain already fatigued reservists, many of whom have been called to duty multiple times since the war began. Families of the hostages continue to press the government to reach a negotiated agreement with Hamas, insisting that a deal is the only viable path to rescuing their loved ones.
This escalation has sparked renewed criticism of Netanyahu, with accusations that he is deliberately stalling negotiations and prolonging the war for political reasons—allegations he has denied. Nearly 19 months into the conflict, Netanyahu has yet to present a comprehensive post-war plan for Gaza.
On Friday, the military reportedly submitted a phased offensive strategy to Netanyahu. In response, thousands of reservists have signed open letters demanding an end to the fighting and a stronger focus on securing the hostages’ release. Demonstrations calling for a halt to the conflict were held again across Israel on Saturday evening.
In Tel Aviv, a hostage’s mother described the war as “needless,” echoing growing public frustration. The IDF confirmed on Sunday that two more Israeli soldiers had been killed in Gaza.
Also on Sunday, a missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen struck near the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport. Netanyahu has pledged retaliation. In turn, the Houthis announced their intention to impose an “aerial blockade” on Israel by continuing to target its airports.
Meanwhile in Gaza, the Hamas-controlled health ministry reported 40 deaths and 125 injuries within a 24-hour period as of Sunday morning.
Israel launched its campaign to eliminate Hamas in response to the October 7, 2023, cross-border assault that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others. Since the war began, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims at least 52,535 Palestinians have been killed, including 2,436 since operations resumed on March 18.
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