Israel has assumed control of more than two-thirds of Gaza, IDF says

The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday said it had taken over 75% of Gaza since officials renewed ground operations in a bid to occupy the entire region. During that time, troops killed about 2,000 terrorists, struck about 10,000 terror targets, and established control corridors to restrict Hamas' forces, according to the IDF. The actions are part of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots.” IDF divisions were operating across the region to dismantle Hamas’ tunnels and neutralize their strongholds, according to the military.

What else is happening in the war? The IDF on Wednesday issued orders to 60,000 reservists to report for duty ahead of a planned operation in Gaza City. Additionally, the IDF said it would extend service for another 20,000 reservists. Meanwhile, Orthodox Jews in Israel and abroad have protested efforts by Tel Aviv to recruit religious young men who had previously been exempted from service. Thousands of people have also protested the war as they called for a deal to release the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department over the weekend fired its top press officer who was responsible for drafting communications about Israeli-Palestinian affairs, according to The Washington Post. Officials reportedly fired him after he allegedly made statements that deviated from the Trump administration’s policies in Israel.

Dig deeper: Read my report from earlier this month about Israel’s security cabinet approving a plan to occupy Gaza.