Israel is mobilizing its largest reserve force in history, drafting 300,000 soldiers to prepare for a possible ground operation in Gaza. Since Saturday, Israeli aircraft have been carrying out airstrikes in Gaza, while ground forces have battled to retake control of border villages and towns overrun by Palestinian gunmen. The Israeli military says it is now going on the offensive, and the call-up of reservists suggests that it is preparing for a major ground operation in Gaza. This is the most significant escalation of violence in the region in years, and the situation is developing rapidly.
