The mobilization shows that Israel is continuing to implement its plan to take control of Gaza's largest urban center, despite international criticism of an operation that could force the displacement of even more Palestinians, Reuters reports.

But a military official told reporters that reservists would not report for duty until September, a move that gives mediators some time to narrow differences between the Palestinian terror group Hamas and Israel over the terms of a ceasefire.

The official said that as part of the planning for a new offensive in Gaza, there will be five divisions operating in the enclave, but that most of the reservists will not be called up to fight in Gaza City.

"We will enter a new phase of combat, a gradual, precise and targeted operation in and around Gaza City, which currently serves as Hamas' main military and administrative stronghold," the official said.

Israel's security cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this month approved a plan to expand the campaign into Gaza, with the aim of capturing Gaza City.

Many of Israel's closest allies have urged the government to reconsider this decision, but Netanyahu is under pressure from some far-right members of his coalition to reject a temporary ceasefire, continue the war and pursue the annexation of Gaza.

The current war began on October 7, 2023, when armed terrorists led by Hamas attacked communities in southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking 251 hostages, including children, in Gaza.

More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's campaign, according to Gaza health officials, who do not specify how many of them were militants.

Hopes for an agreement to stop the offensive

Hamas has accepted the Arab mediators' proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, which would involve the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

The Israeli government, which has said all 50 remaining hostages must be released immediately, is studying the proposal. Israeli authorities believe 20 hostages are still alive.