Israel on Wednesday entered the first stages of its planned assault on Gaza City after approving a plan to take over the city that includes calling up 60,000 reservists for its expanded military operation in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

"We have begun the preliminary actions and the initial stages of the offensive on Gaza City, and already now IDF forces are holding positions on the outskirts of Gaza City," Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin told reporters on Wednesday.

He added: "We will intensify the strikes on Hamas in Gaza City, the political and military stronghold of the terror organization."

Defrin also said that to "minimize harm to civilians," the IDF will be warning citizens to allow them to evacuate.

"We are continuing to allow humanitarian aid for the resi

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