Israel calls up reservists for Gaza City push

Israel began mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists and repeated evacuation warnings Tuesday as part of its plan to widen its offensive in Gaza City, which has sparked opposition domestically and condemnation abroad.

- By Waraa SHURAFA, Sam METZ AND FaTMa KHALED

OHAD ZWIGENBERG Associated Press "WE ARE facing the decisive stage," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli troops. Above, soldiers in southern Israel, near the Gaza border, Tuesday.

The call-up, which was announced last month, comes as ground and air forces press forward and pursue more targets in northern and central Gaza, striking parts ofZeitoun and Shijaiyah — two western Gaza City neighborhoods that Israeli forces have repeatedly invaded during the nearly two-year war against Hamas militants.

Zeitoun, once Gaza City’s largest neighborhood with markets, schools and clinics, has been transformed over the last month, with streets being emptied and buildings reduced to rubble as it becomes what Israel's military last week called a “ dangerous combat zone.”

Israel says Gaza City is still a militant stronghold where Hamas hasa vast tunnel network, despite multiple incursions throughout the war. It’s also one of the last refuges in northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians are sheltering, facing the twin threats of combat and famine.

Some reservists are refusing to serve again, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ofpro-longing the war for political purposes instead of reaching a hostage deal with Hamas. Netanyahu has said that the war will continue until all the hostages are returned and Hamas surrenders.

“We are facing the decisive stage,” Netanyahu said in a video statement addressed to the troops. “With God’s help, together we will win.”

Strikes in Gaza City

Israel on Tuesday repeated earlier warnings to people who have remained in Gaza City, unconvinced that another displacement will keep them safe.