WASHINGTON (TNND) — Israel began its ground operation in Gaza City on Tuesday as part of its campaign against Hamas, according to Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

Zamir spoke to reservistsin Hebrew, stating, "We have already begun the ground operation in Gaza," ABC News reported in a translation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he wants to "strengthen and express my deep appreciation to you, IDF soldiers and reserve soldiers and your families."

"Now we are facing the decisive stage," he continued. "I believe in you, I trust you and the entire nation embraces you."

At least 60,000 reservists will be gradually called up, Israel's military said last month. It will also extend the service of an additional 20,000 reservists already serving.

A recently formed group called Soldiers for the Hostages said it includes over 365 soldiers who served earlier in the war but will not report for duty if called up again.

“Netanyahu’s ongoing war of aggression needlessly puts our own hostages in danger and has wreaked havoc on the fabric of Israeli society, while at the same time killing, maiming, and starving an entire population of Gazan civilians,” Max Kresch, a member of the group, told reporters.

Soldiers who refuse to serve could end up serving prison time.

Netanyahu previously said the war will continue until all of the hostages are returned and Hamas surrenders.

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Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.