Israel has begun the first stage of a ground operation to seize Gaza City, the largest urban stronghold still held by Hamas after 22 months of war. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said troops now hold the city’s outskirts and will “deepen the attack” under the code-name "Gideon’s Chariots." He described Hamas as a “battered guerrilla force.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered shorter timetables for capturing remaining Hamas positions, and Defence Minister Israel Katz signed off on the Gaza City plan. The Israel Defense Forces have issued mobilisation notices to roughly 60,000 reservists and prolonged the service of another 20,000, preparing for what would be the largest call-up in months. The assault advances despite a new proposal—accepted by Hamas—for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of about half of the remaining hostages. Israeli broadcasters reported that Jerusalem has no immediate plans to send a negotiating delegation, a stance Hamas condemned as a “flagrant disregard” of mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States. Humanitarian agencies warn of escalating civilian suffering. Gaza’s Health Ministry puts the overall Palestinian death toll at 62,122, with at least 81 fatalities reported on 20 August alone, while UNRWA says one in three children in Gaza City is malnourished. Aid groups fear an expanded offensive could displace nearly a million residents and worsen shortages of food, water and medicine.