Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir formally announced the launch of the second phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariot on Wednesday, aiming to occupy Gaza City.
“We have entered the second phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariot in order to fulfill the objectives of the war. The return of our hostages is both a moral and national mission,” Zamir told soldiers on the ground.
The move came days after the Israeli military declared Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone” on Friday.
On August 8, Israel’s security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to gradually retake the Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City.
