Israel launches Operation Gideon's Chariots in Gaza: All you need to know

Israel has launched a major new military campaign in the Gaza Strip, termed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, marking a notable escalation in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the commencement of this offensive on May 17, saying that it aims to "seize strategic areas" within Gaza to achieve "operational control" and fulfill the war's objectives, including the release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas's infrastructure.

This operation follows a series of intense airstrikes that have resulted in the deaths of over 100 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry. The IDF reported targeting more than 150 sites across the enclave, focusing on what it identified as terrorist infrastructure. The renewed offensive comes after a two-month ceasefire ended in March, with Israel resuming military actions in response to ongoing hostilities.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israeli forces will maintain a presence in any areas they capture within Gaza, indicating a shift towards a more prolonged occupation strategy. This approach has raised concerns among international observers, who fear it may lead to further destabilization and humanitarian crises in the region.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply, with the United Nations reporting that over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict's escalation in October 2023. Aid organizations warn of severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies, exacerbated by Israel's blockade of the territory. UNICEF has treated thousands of children for acute malnutrition, and the World Health Organization reports a significant increase in starvation-related deaths among children.

International reactions have been mixed. US President Donald Trump acknowledged the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, stating, "a lot of people are starving," and expressed intentions to address the crisis. However, his administration has faced criticism for not exerting sufficient pressure on Israel to ease the blockade or engage in ceasefire negotiations.

• Israel has launched a new major offensive in Gaza, called Operation “Gideon’s Chariots.”
• The operation aims to defeat Hamas, seize strategic areas, and rescue hostages.
• The offensive began the same day US President Donald Trump left the region without securing a ceasefire.
• Israeli forces say they have carried out extensive strikes and ground operations across Gaza.
• Over 100 people have been killed since Thursday, mainly in Jabalya and Khan Younis.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu said the goal is to force civilians into the south and hold more territory.
• Earlier, Trump had proposed turning Gaza into a “freedom zone” managed by the United States.
• He also said the US would “take care of” the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• Israeli forces have struck over 150 targets across the Gaza Strip.
• More than 100 Palestinians have been killed in recent strikes, with over 53,000 deaths reported since October 2023.