Israel has announced that it has initiated the initial phases of a military operation in Gaza City

On Wednesday, Israel's military declared the initiation of an operation aimed at seizing control of Gaza City and summoned tens of thousands of reservists, as the government deliberated on a new ceasefire proposal to halt nearly two years of conflict.

"We have commenced the initial operations and the first phases of the assault on Gaza City, and at this moment, IDF forces are securing the periphery of Gaza City," stated Brigadier General Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israeli military, during a press briefing.