Israel begins Gaza City assault as hostage talks continue

The Israeli military has launched the opening phase of its ground assault on Gaza City, a senior army spokesperson confirmed on August 20.

The offensive comes as negotiations over a potential hostage release deal continue, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructing the army to accelerate operations to seize what Israel describes as Hamas’s final strongholds, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Brigadier General Effie Defrin said, “Our forces already control the outskirts of the city.”

The military also announced that around 60,000 conscription notices will be issued this week, with a further 20,000 expected later this month.

Defrin added that efforts were underway to allow civilians in Gaza to evacuate to safer areas and to access humanitarian aid and medical treatment.

The spokesman also addressed an incident in Khan Yunis in which Israeli forces came under attack. He said soldiers repelled an attempt by more than 15 militants to storm an IDF position.

Three Israeli soldiers were injured, including one from the Kfir Brigade’s 90th Battalion, who is reported to be in serious condition. He was evacuated to the hospital, and his family was informed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev