Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved a military plan, codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots B,” to seize control of Gaza City, the defense ministry confirmed on Wednesday. As part of the operation, the Israel Defense Forces will issue call-up orders for about 60,000 reservists, expanding the army’s manpower ahead of the anticipated ground offensive. The ministry told AFP the mobilization has already begun. Israeli media report that reserve soldiers have started receiving their orders, indicating the campaign could start soon. The decision marks a significant escalation in the nearly two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces have steadily tightened their grip around the enclave’s largest urban center. Government officials say the operation’s objectives include securing the release of all hostages still held in Gaza—a condition Israel maintains for any potential cease-fire. The fresh deployment comes as international mediators continue to push proposals for a truce and prisoner exchange, efforts that so far have failed to halt the fighting.