Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has approved the military's plan to conquer Gaza City and authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists, his ministry confirmed on Wednesday. When contacted by AFP, a spokesperson from the defence ministry confirmed the reports which appeared in Israeli media. Katz's move piled pressure on Hamas as mediators pushing for a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war in Gaza awaited an official Israeli response on their latest proposal. While mediator Qatar had expressed guarded optimism over the latest proposal, a senior Israeli official said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any agreement. A military official told reporters on Wednesday that approximately 50,000 reservists would be called up, with drafts beginning in

See Full Page