An Israeli military official says the country’s top generals have approved plans to call up tens of thousands of reservists in order to begin a new phase of operations in some of Gaza’s most densely populated areas.

Israel’s military is set to start the call-up of around 60,000 reserve soldiers for a stepped up offensive in Gaza against Hamas, according to an Israeli government official, even as it readies a response to a new ceasefire proposal.

The Israeli military plans to mobilize around 50,000 reservists ahead of the planned capture of Gaza City, with draft notices due to be sent out in the coming days, according to a military representative.