Israel Mobilizes Reservists for Gaza Offensive
Israel has reportedly ordered the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists as preparations intensify for an expanded military offensive in Gaza. On Saturday, Israeli media conveyed that the military was dispatching orders to these reservists, intended to replace conscripts and active-duty soldiers currently stationed in Israel and the occupied West Bank. This strategy aims to facilitate a redeployment of forces into Gaza, a move that underscores the continuing escalation of conflict in the region.
While a military spokesperson did not confirm or deny these developments, relatives of journalists from AFP were among those who received mobilization notifications. Additionally, Israel’s public broadcaster has indicated that a meeting of the security cabinet is scheduled for Sunday, during which an expansion of military operations in Gaza is expected to be approved.
Israel’s renewed operations across Gaza began on March 18 following a halt in hostilities that had persisted through a two-month ceasefire. This ceasefire had been brokered by Qatar, alongside the United States and Egypt, following an unprecedented attack by Hamas in October 2023. However, talks for a new agreement appear to have stalled, prompting critiques from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has accused Qatar of playing both sides diplomatically.
Netanyahu openly criticized Qatar on social media, demanding clarity on its allegiance—whether it stands with civilization or with Hamas. Facing pressure from his far-right allies, Netanyahu has increased calls for continued military action since the Gaza offensive recommenced, stating, “Israel will win this just war with just means.”
Humanitarian Concerns and Hostage Situations
In the backdrop of escalating military action, humanitarian concerns have intensified. Israel has prohibited all aid shipments to Gaza since March 2, which has led to dire warnings from UN agencies regarding an imminent humanitarian crisis. The Qatari foreign ministry, responding to Netanyahu’s remarks, condemned his comments as inflammatory and lacking in political and moral integrity, underscoring the complexity of the ongoing conflict.
In a troubling development, Hamas released a video on Saturday featuring an apparently wounded hostage, identified by multiple outlets as Maxim Herkin, a Russian-Israeli national. The four-minute footage depicts Herkin, aged 37, with visible injuries. He expressed in Hebrew that he had sustained wounds during recent airstrikes, conveying a desperate plea to the public to pressure the Israeli government for his release.
The ongoing conflict has seen staggering casualties, with reports indicating at least 2,396 deaths in Gaza since Israel’s military resurgence. Compounding the tragedy, Hamas continues to hold 58 hostages, including remains of an Israeli soldier killed during an earlier conflict in 2014.
Protests Erupt in Support of Hostages
On Saturday, protests erupted in Tel Aviv as thousands of Israelis gathered outside the defense ministry, demanding government action for the release of hostages. Among the demonstrators was Arona Maskil, 64, who expressed disbelief over the justification of the current operations in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency for the hostages’ return. “We’re here because we want the hostages home,” she stated passionately.
Criticism of the government’s renewed military strategy has grown, with many arguing it could further endanger hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a statement cautioning that any escalation in the conflict poses immediate risks to those still held captive.
As hostilities continued, airstrikes in Gaza led to further civilian casualties. One strike on the Khan Yunis refugee camp reportedly killed 11 individuals, including three infants, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency, which highlighted the tragic toll of ongoing conflict. Eyewitness accounts described the harrowing scenes of destruction, as residents and rescue workers sought to locate survivors amidst the rubble.
