IOF to deploy reservists in Gaza as ceasefire risks crumbling
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"Israel" is readying its Southern Command as the fragile Gaza ceasefire risks collapse.
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An Israeli tank near the border with Gaza in southern occupied Palestine, Sunday, February 9, 2025 (AP)
Israeli reserve forces will be mobilized in the event of a relaunch of the aggression on the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) revealed on their Telegram channel.
"In accordance with the situational assessment and the decision to raise the level of readiness in the Southern Command, it was decided to increase reinforcements with additional troops, including reservists," the IOF stated.
This comes a day after they terminated the 99th Reserve Division and the Harel Reserve Brigade's services in the Gaza Strip, reducing reserve presence in the territory.
The decision also follows uncertainty surrounding the continuity of the ceasefire in Gaza, following multiple Israeli violations that prompted the suspension of a captive handover, initially scheduled for February 15.
Hamas had been set to release captives on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but the group now demands that "Israel" fulfill its obligations and compensate for its violations before the process can continue.
Egyptian security sources informed Reuters on Monday that mediation efforts are now in serious jeopardy, with growing concerns that "Israel's" lack of compliance could provoke renewed hostilities.
Meanwhile, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz escalated tensions by announcing that the military is on high alert and prepared to resume aggression in Gaza.
"I instructed the IOF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the [border] communities. We will not return to the reality of October 7," he said.
Read more: 'Israel' did not fulfill ceasefire commitments, IOF officials admit
