HELL IN GAZA CITY

Israel defence minister agrees new offensive

- BY SIMON MURPHY

HANDS aloft in desperation, a Palestinian boy flees from yet another scene of devastation in war-torn Gaza.

The tragic image, now among so many, emerged yesterday as it was revealed 60,000 Israeli reservists are being called up amid plans to seize Gaza City.

Defence minister Israel Katz has approved plans to begin a new phase of operations in some of the most densely populated areas.

The move comes as Israel is due to respond by tomorrow to a ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas. Israel's military said yesterday it had issued around 60,000 reserve orders, with 20,000 having their service extended.

The IDF said the call-up was part of the next phase of its “Gideon's Chariots” operation.

Reservists will not report for duty until next month and most are not expected to serve in combat in Gaza City, a military official reportedly said.

Images yesterday showed smoke billowing after an Israeli strike in Jabalia, north of Gaza City. The picture of the boy fleeing in terror was captured on Tuesday as he dashed from the site of Israeli airstrikes in the Saftawi neighbourhood, west of Jabalia. Human rights groups warn the humanitarian crisis could worsen.