Headline: Israel Begins Operation to Take Control of Gaza City, Hamas Issues Warning
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Gaza City – Hamas has strongly reacted to Israel’s announcement of the start of an operation to take control of Gaza City, the largest city in the gaza Strip. Hamas accused Israel of ignoring mediation efforts to stop the fighting and secure the release of hostages.
“Today’s announcement by the terrorist occupation army about the start of the operation of the city of Gaza and nearly one million residents and refugees there …showed… open ignoring of the efforts made by the mediators,” Hamas said in a statement,as reported by AFP.
Hamas also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu’s lack of response to the latest ceasefire proposal submitted by mediators. Hamas had previously approved the latest proposals submitted by Qatar and Egypt.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of being “a real barrier to any agreement” and accused him of not caring about the lives of Israeli hostages.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday approved a military plan to conquer Gaza City, authorizing the call-up of around 60,000 Israeli reserve troops, increasing pressure on Hamas as mediators continue to push for a ceasefire.
katz’s orders to send more troops to Gaza City were confirmed by his spokesman, coinciding with an Israeli official stating the government remains firm in its demand for the release of all hostages in any agreement.
The ceasefire proposal Hamas approved includes an initial 60-day ceasefire, a phased release of hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and provisions for humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip.
Following Katz’s approval, the Israeli military announced the start of the operation to seize Gaza City. “IDF troops have entered and are operating in the outskirts of Gaza City,” said military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin.
Defrin stated that Israeli forces are operating in the areas surrounding Gaza City.