Jerusalem (EFE).- Israel’s military confirmed Wednesday that its forces have reached the gates of Gaza City and launched preliminary operations ahead of a full ground invasion, marking what officials called the start of “Phase 2” of the Gaza war.
Military spokesman Effie Defrin told reporters that Israeli troops had begun “preliminary operations in the first stages of the offensive in Gaza City.”
He said the advance signals the official launch of the next phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza after breaking a ceasefire on Mar. 18.
“Our army now controls the gates of Gaza City,” Defrin said, adding that additional units are expected to join the fighting in the coming days.
According to the Israeli military, two divisions have already encircled the capital of the enclave.
The army’s 99th Infantry Brigade is positioned in the southern Zeitoun neighborhood, while armored combat units from the 162nd Division are stationed in Jabalia, north of Gaza City.
Defrin said these deployments are part of a broader push to tighten Israel’s control around the city before moving further inside.
Since Israel resumed its offensive in March, nearly 10,600 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the army.
Overall, more than 62,000 people have died since the war began in Oct. 2023, Palestinian health authorities, run by Hamas, report.
The offensive has drawn international criticism over the humanitarian impact, while Israel argues that its operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities.
Defrin reiterated that Israel would continue its campaign until it achieves what it considers “decisive results” in Gaza. EFE
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