The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a new operation to take control of Gaza City on August 19. The operation has been dubbed Gideon’s Chariots II and builds on the achievements of Gideon’s Chariots, launched in May. The IDF now controls approximately 75 percent of Gaza. To take Gaza City, the IDF has called up 60,000 reservists.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is working to revise civilian access routes to humanitarian aid sites in Gaza, where the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed more than 51 million meals since it began operations on May 26. The four aid distribution sites in Gaza have faced challenges amid reports of clashes between the IDF and Gazans and other incidents. The IDF is now “installing directional and warning signs, opening additional access routes, establishing barriers and checkpoints to regulate vehicle movement.” The changes come amid reports of efforts to begin a new round of possible ceasefire talks and limited IDF operations in the territory.