Israel launches ‘Gideon’s Chairots 2’ operation to invade Gaza City

The Israeli army has begun attacks for the invasion of Gaza, codenamed “Gideon’s Chairots 2.” While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands an accelerated invasion, Hamas insists the operation will fail. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives.

The Israeli army has initiated the invasion of Gaza City. Army Spokesman Effie Defrin announced that preparations have begun for the operation, named “Gideon’s Chairots 2,” following the plan’s approval by Defense Minister Yisrael Katz. Defrin stated that approximately 60,000 reserve soldiers were called up for duty in early September, and the service term for another 20,000 has been extended. The initial attacks are reportedly concentrated in the Zeytun district in the city’s southeast.

According to the army’s statement, more than 10,000 targets in Gaza have been struck from the air and sea since March 18. Israel claims to have occupied approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip. Five separate military units are participating in the operation simultaneously. The army plans to drive approximately one million Palestinians south in the first phase of the operation and to occupy the refugee camps in central Gaza in the second phase.

Netanyahu: Accelerate the invasion of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the army to complete the invasion in “less time than planned.” A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office indicated that Netanyahu said Hamas must be “decisively defeated.” It was also noted that Defense Minister Katz has approved the plan prepared by Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir, which will be presented to Netanyahu shortly.

On August 8, the Israeli Security Cabinet gave the green light for the invasion of the city center in northern Gaza. Before the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that they aim to “occupy the entire Gaza Strip.” The Israeli press, however, had reported that the operation was not expected to be implemented before September.

Hamas: It will fail like previous operations

In a written statement, Hamas harshly criticized Israel’s invasion plan. The statement described the operation as “an extension of the genocide that has been ongoing for more than 22 months” and added that the efforts of mediators for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange have been disregarded.

Hamas argued that Netanyahu’s failure to respond to ceasefire proposals demonstrates that he “does not care about the prisoners.” The statement declared, “The invasion of Gaza will not be a picnic. This plan will fail, just like the previous ones.” Hamas also called on mediators to increase pressure on Israel to stop its “policies of genocide and forced starvation.”

UN warns: Ceasefire must be secured immediately

Israel’s invasion preparations have also drawn international reactions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “It is vital to secure an immediate ceasefire to prevent the death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would cause.” Guterres called on Hamas to unconditionally release the hostages and on Israel to reverse its decision to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank.