Defiant Israel approves plan to conquer Gaza City

60,000 RESERVISTS ORDERED TO MOBILISE, RAISING PRESSURE ON HAMAS

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Israel’s defence minister approved a plan yesterday for the conquest of Gaza City and authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists, piling pressure on Hamas as mediators push for a ceasefire.

Defence Minister Israel Katz’s move, confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson, came as mediators awaited an official Israeli response on their proposal.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that Israel’s “military offensive” to conquer Gaza City “can only lead to a complete disaster for both peoples.”

Israel’s plan “will drag the region into a permanent war,” the French president posted on social media, reiterating his call for an “international stabilisation mission”.

Israel firm on hostages

While mediator Qatar had expressed guarded optimism over the latest proposal, a senior Israeli official said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any agreement.