Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved a plan to seize Gaza City and authorized the call-up of about 60,000 reservists to carry it out, his ministry confirmed Wednesday, as mediators awaited Israel’s response to a new cease-fire proposal in the nearly two-year war.
Katz's move, confirmed to Agence France-Presse (AFP) by a spokesperson, came as mediators awaited an official Israeli response to their latest proposal.
While mediator Qatar had expressed guarded optimism over the latest proposal, a senior Israeli official said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any agreement.
The framework that Hamas had approved proposes an initial 60-day truce, a staggered hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners and provisions allowing for the entry of aid into Gaza.
On the ground in Gaza City on Wednesday, Mustafa Qazzaat, head of the emergency committee in the Gaza municipality, described the situation as "catastrophic."
