Israeli defense minister approves Gaza City occupation plan

By Betul Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, according to local media on Wednesday.

The public broadcaster KAN said that Katz named the plan Gideon's Chariots B, after the Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” a ground offensive that was launched in May to expand occupation of the enclave and fully evacuate Palestinians from northern Gaza.

“As part of the plan, the necessary reserve call-up orders will be issued to carry out the attack,” the broadcaster said, without specifying the number of troops needed.

According to Channel 12, emergency draft orders, known as “Order 8,” have already been issued by the Israeli army, as tens of thousands of reservist soldiers are expected to be summoned in the coming days.

On Tuesday, Israel’s Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir outlined stages of the occupation plan, including reinforcing Israeli forces in northern Gaza.