Israel intensifies military build-up to capture Gaza City

# Israel intensified its military build-up as reservists began responding to call-up orders ahead of a planned offensive to capture Gaza City, nearly two years into a devastating war. Despite mounting pressure at home and abroad to end its campaign in the Palestinian territory, Israel is gearing up to seize Gaza’s largest city, intensifying bombardments and operating in the outskirts in recent days. In a statement, the military said it had in recent days “been carrying out logistical and operational preparations ahead of expanded combat operations and the large-scale mobilisation of reservists.”