The Israeli army radio reported that about 40,000 reservist soldiers have joined their units as part of “Gideon’s Vehicles II” operation, half to replace regular forces on the fronts, and the other half to support headquarters, intelligence, and the air force.

Israeli forces continue bombing various areas in the Gaza Strip, causing dozens of deaths and injuries, including civilians waiting for humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Israel has begun a large-scale mobilization of its forces with reservists joining their units in preparation for an offensive aimed at taking control of Gaza City.

The Gaza Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday the death of 13 people, including 3 children, due to famine and malnutrition within 24 hours, marking the highest daily toll since the war began, raising the total number of hunger victims to 361 including 130 children. The ministry warned of an accelerating disaster amid severe shortages of food and medical supplies.

The Israeli army radio reiterated that about 40,000 reservists joined their units as part of the “Gideon’s Vehicles 2” operation, half replacing regular forces on the fronts and the other half supporting headquarters, intelligence, and the air force.

Israel’s Channel 13 reported that army estimates indicate that taking control of Gaza City could take a full year, with the possibility of about 100 soldiers being killed during the operation. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that the war “will continue and deepen,” emphasizing to reservist soldiers that operations will not stop before “subduing the enemy.”