Israel launches reservist conscription

Israeli reservists began responding to call-up orders on Tuesday, swelling the military’s ranks ahead of a planned offensive to capture Gaza City after nearly two years of devastating war, France 24 writes.

At an event in Jerusalem, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the conscription of tens of thousands of reservists.

“Tens of thousands of reservists have left their homes to join the task of securing the return of all hostages and neutralizing Hamas,” Katz said.

Israeli media has reported that around 40,000 reservists were being mobilized in the first wave.