'Israel' approves mobilization of 400K reservists as Gaza talks stall
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The Israeli Channel 14 says the decision was made amid concerns over the potential resumption of fighting in the Gaza Strip.
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Destroyed buildings by Israeli bombardments inside the northern Gaza Strip can be seen as Israeli soldiers work on their tank in southern occupied Palestine, Tuesday, Feb.11, 2025 (AP)
The Israeli occupation government approved a bill authorizing the military to call up an additional 400,000 reserve soldiers as negotiations for the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement face delays, the Anadolu Agency reported.
The decision was made amid concerns over the potential resumption of fighting in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli Channel 14.
Under the new directive, the Israeli military can mobilize up to 400,000 reserve soldiers by May 29—an increase of 80,000 from the previous order, which limited mobilization to 320,000, the broadcaster noted.
“This decision comes amid ongoing challenges in recruiting human resources for reserve duty,” Channel 14 mentioned.
As the 42-day first phase of the ceasefire drew to a close, "Israel" unilaterally backed an extension proposed by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which would cover the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Hamas, however, has repeatedly rejected extending the first phase, instead insisting on moving directly to the second stage.
This would involve the release of all remaining captives and a more permanent end to the war on Gaza.
Earlier on Sunday, "Israel" said it was suspending the entry of supplies into Gaza.
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided that, from this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be suspended," his office said in a statement.
"If Hamas persists with its refusal, there will be other consequences," it added.
Hamas condemned the Israeli decision, stating that the "decision to suspend humanitarian aid is cheap blackmail, a war crime and a blatant coup against the (ceasefire) agreement."
Gaza's Civil Defense agency, meanwhile, reported "artillery shelling and gunfire from Israeli tanks" east of Khan Younis city, in the southern Gaza Strip.
The Palestine Red Crescent said one person was killed in an Israeli drone strike in the area, and one more was killed in another town nearby.
The Health Ministry in the Palestinian enclave later reported at least four killed and six wounded in Israeli attacks on Sunday.
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