(MENAFN) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched the initial phase of an operation to take control of Gaza City, a military spokesperson confirmed. The plan, approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet two weeks ago, aims to secure full control of Gaza and defeat Hamas.

IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said troops are already “holding the outskirts of Gaza City” and will intensify attacks on Hamas in the densely populated area. Netanyahu emphasized that he has ordered the military to “shorten the timelines for seizing the last terror strongholds and for the defeat of Hamas.” The IDF is expected to present a detailed plan for the city’s capture to the prime minister on Thursday, and has called up an additional 60,000 reservists ahead of the operation.

Hamas rejected a Monday proposal mediated by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which included a 60-day ceasefire and the release of ten Israeli hostages. The group condemned Israel’s offensive as showing “blatant disregard for the efforts made by the mediators.”

Clashes continue near Khan Younis, south of Gaza City, where 15 Hamas fighters attacked IDF troops using firearms and anti-tank missiles, wounding three soldiers, one severely. The Gaza conflict began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, incursion into southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and left 50 hostages still in captivity. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 156,000 wounded in Israeli strikes since then.

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