(DDM) – Israel has commenced an extensive assault on Gaza City, intensifying concerns over military exhaustion and worsening humanitarian conditions in the war-torn enclave.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the deployment of an additional 60,000 reservists and extended the service of 20,000 soldiers to execute the operation.
The takeover of Gaza City, described as one of Hamas’ final strongholds in northern Gaza, is expected to be a decisive phase of the ongoing war.
Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed Wednesday that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are already positioned on the outskirts of the city, initiating what he termed the “first steps” of the larger campaign.
Initially, Israeli officials projected that the offensive could take more than five months.
However, Netanyahu has instructed the military to accelerate the timeline, signaling an intensification of military action.
This decision has sparked sharp criticism from international observers and humanitarian organizations.
Concerns continue to rise that the expanded assault could worsen Gaza’s already dire hunger crisis and jeopardize the lives of hostages believed to be held in the city.
Inside Israel, the debate has turned toward the sustainability of the war effort. After nearly two years of conflict, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has repeatedly warned about troop burnout and attrition.
Many soldiers have been recalled multiple times for service, raising questions about long-term morale and operational readiness.
A recent survey by Agam Labs at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem revealed that around 40% of Israeli soldiers reported feeling less motivated to serve, while just over 13% said their motivation had increased.
Analysts suggest this sentiment reflects growing fatigue among troops who have faced continuous deployment since the conflict began.
Adding to the tension is a political dispute over whether ultra-Orthodox men should be drafted to support the overstretched military.
The ultra-Orthodox community has long resisted mandatory service, and government leaders are now considering broad exemptions despite the military’s personnel shortages.
Critics argue that exempting one of Israel’s largest demographic groups from national service undermines morale among active-duty soldiers.
International condemnation has mounted as humanitarian groups warn of catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s civilian population.
With food supplies scarce and infrastructure devastated, aid agencies fear that an expanded offensive will escalate civilian suffering and further destabilize the region.
The military operation continues as political divisions, troop fatigue, and humanitarian alarms converge, casting uncertainty over Israel’s capacity to sustain its war strategy.