An Israeli military official says the country’s top generals have approved plans to call up tens of thousands of reservists in order to begin a new phase of operations in some of Gaza’s most densely populated areas.

Israel’s military is set to start the call-up of around 60,000 reserve soldiers for a stepped up offensive in Gaza against Hamas, according to an Israeli government official, even as it readies a response to a new ceasefire proposal.

Hamas says it has accepted a proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the 22-month war sparked by its Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel. Israel has not yet responded and says it is still committed to defeating the militant group.

As Israel seeks to expand its offensive in Gaza, discontent is evident among some reservists being called up to serve once again.

Israel has approved a plan for the takeover of Gaza City that includes calling up 60,000 reservists for its expanded military operation in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Israeli forces eliminated a Gaza terrorist involved in the Oct. 7 Kibbutz Nir Oz invasion and Yarden Bibas kidnapping during an Aug. 10 airstrike, the IDF and Shin Bet announced.

Demonstrators took to the streets across Israel Sunday calling for an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to release hostages still held by militants, as the military