Katz approves plan of military offensive on Gaza city

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved the army’s plan for an offensive on Gaza.

According to Report, citing The Times of Israel, the operation has been named “Gideon’s Chariots B,” after a previous campaign of the same name, during which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took control of more than 75% of the Gaza Strip in an effort to pressure Hamas into a hostage deal.

A security source said Katz praised the plan and the IDF’s preparations during a meeting held after the government instructed the military to capture Gaza City.

The IDF has issued orders to call up around 60,000 reservists to take part in the offensive approved by Katz.

The defense minister also authorized “humanitarian preparations” for about one million Palestinian civilians expected to be relocated from Gaza City to the southern part of the Strip.

It should be noted that yesterday Katz met with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, other senior officers, and Shin Bet representatives to approve the army’s plans for capturing Gaza City.

The meeting and the presentation of the IDF’s plans to Katz took place despite Hamas’ announcement that it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal.