Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun the first steps of their invasion of Gaza City, IDF spokesperson, Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed on Wednesday, reports The Jerusalem Post.

“Our forces already control the outskirts of the city,” he said.

In his statement, Defrin confirmed that the IDF is working to provide sufficient spaces for Gazan civilians to safely evacuate, as well as to receive aid and medical care.

He explained that this is the first phase of the offensive, as part of an operation the Israeli defense ministry had previously approved.

According to him, the IDF is preparing to intensify strikes in the near future against the Hamas terrorist group operating in Gaza City.

In order to minimize the damage to civilians, the IDF will warn local residents about the need to evacuate.

Additionally, Defrin confirmed that some 60,000 conscription letters will be sent out this week, with an additional 20,000 to be sent later this month.

The aforesaid IDF offensive will be carried out in several phases, according to The Times of Israel. First, the civilian population of Gaza City will be warned to evacuate by October 7, 2025—the second anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel. Then, the Israeli army plans to surround the city and advance towards its central areas, which have not previously been completely cleared of Hamas infrastructure.