On Wednesday, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir toured the Gaza Strip, announcing the start of the second phase of “Operation Gideon Vehicles” to achieve the war’s objectives.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Zamir toured Gaza accompanied by military commanders to assess the situation and received a briefing from the Israeli army’s 162nd Division.

The source indicated that this tour was part of preparations for the second phase of “Operation Gideon Vehicles,” aimed at controlling Gaza City.

During his tour, Zamir said: “We are intensifying fighting in the central arena in Gaza Strip and deepening our strikes against the terrorist organization Hamas. The army forces are operating in areas overlooking the city. Yesterday, we began a large call-up of reserve soldiers to continue intensifying strikes against Hamas.”

Addressing commanders and soldiers, the Chief of Staff said: “You are facing one of the greatest challenges in the history of the State of Israel. You are the best among our people, acting with courage, determination, and dedication in the heart of enemy territory.”

He continued: “We have entered the second phase of Operation Gideon Vehicles to achieve the goals of this war. Repatriating our prisoners is a moral and national mission. We will continue to strike Hamas’ centers of power until we defeat them.”

On Tuesday, the Israeli army radio reported that about 40,000 reserve soldiers would join service on Wednesday for the attack on Gaza City.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli army said that evacuating Gaza City is “inevitable,” confirming logistical preparations to accommodate reserve soldiers before the attack.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israeli soldiers, claiming that “the war in Gaza has reached its decisive stage.”

He added: “What started in Gaza must end in Gaza, and the decisive moment is near.”

Last month, the security cabinet chaired by Netanyahu approved a plan to expand the campaign in Gaza Strip aiming to control Gaza City. Israel currently controls about 75 percent of the Gaza Strip.