Israel ramped up its military presence Tuesday as reservists responded to call-up orders in preparation for a planned offensive to occupy Gaza City, nearly two years into the ongoing conflict.
Despite mounting pressure at home and abroad to end its campaign in the Palestinian territory, Israel is gearing up to seize Gaza's largest city – intensifying bombardments and operating on the outskirts in recent days.
The United Nations estimates that nearly a million people live in Gaza City and its surroundings, where a famine has been declared.
In a statement, the military said it had in recent days "been carrying out logistical and operational preparations ahead of expanded combat operations and the large-scale mobilisation of reservists."
Israeli media reported that reservists began responding to draft orders, with Channel 12 saying a second wave was expected in November.
