Israel launches new offensive on Gaza City

Israel launched a new offensive on Gaza City on Wednesday aimed at defeating Hamas, a move that has drawn international criticism over its impact on civilians in the devastated enclave, reported Xinhua.

The IDF has begun the next stage of the operation, in line with "the directive of the political echelon," military spokesman Effie Defrin said. He said ground assaults were already under way in Gaza City's Zaytun neighborhood and the nearby town of Jabalia, with more forces set to join the fighting.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the push was intended to "defeat Hamas and conquer Gaza City." The army said it now holds "operational control" over about 75 percent of the Gaza Strip, after repeated offensives that have left much of its largest urban center in ruins.

Israel's cabinet is expected to meet later this week to give final approval to the plan. The military said 60,000 reservists had been called up, with another 20,000 to follow in the coming days.

"We will deepen the damage to Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror," Defrin said, pledging to destroy infrastructure "above and below ground" and sever civilian reliance on the group. He said 22 months of fighting have already reduced Hamas from "a military group" to "a battered and bruised guerrilla organization."

Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours killed at least 58 people and wounded 185 others, Gaza health officials said. They said at least 62,122 people have been killed since the war began, including 266 who died of hunger, among them 112 children.