Israel allows for 430,000 reservists to be called up amid Gaza takeover plan

Israel's government has granted Defence Minister Israel Katz authority to call up to 430,000 military reservists until November 30, Israel's Kan public broadcaster reported on Sunday.

The report comes as Israel pushes ahead with a plan to seize control of Gaza City, as well as a scheme to completely occupy the entirety of Gaza.

Kan reported that the decision came in light of "the escalation of military operations and the army's need to strengthen its combat capabilities, and in line with the decision taken by the cabinet last Thursday," referring to the decision to seize control of Gaza City.

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said on Sunday that the country has no alternative but to continue mobilising reservists, i24 reported.

Israel aims to seize Gaza City -- a plan that is expected to take several months  -- and further displace Palestinians to concentration camps in Khan Younis, according to Israeli media reports. 

Tel Aviv also aims to set up more so-called distribution centres, similar to those currently operating in Gaza's south and run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. At least 1,400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while seeking aid, including at GHF distribution points.

The Israeli military has warned that expanding the offensive could endanger the lives of captives Hamas is still holding in Gaza, believed to number around 20, and draw its troops into protracted and deadly guerilla warfare.

Relatives of the Israeli captives have also demanded that the military assault end to allow an exchange of prisoners.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, and left much of the territory in ruins.

UN experts and leading rights groups consider Israel to be committing genocide in Gaza.