Israel said Wednesday it would call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of others for a planned offensive in Gaza City and other heavily populated areas, ratcheting up pressure on Hamas as ceasefire talks show signs of progress.

The expansion of Israeli operations is likely to bring even more death and destruction to Gaza, around 75% of which is already largely destroyed and controlled by Israel. A wider offensive would also force more people to flee and further disrupt the delivery of humanitarian aid as experts say the territory is at imminent risk of famine.

Israel’s plans have also sparked internal controversy, with families of the remaining hostages fearing another military escalation could doom their loved ones, while former senior security officials say there is little to

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