The Israeli military has officially announced the initiation of a significant offensive aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of remaining hostages in Gaza. This operation, dubbed Operation Gideon's Chariots, has mobilized troops to seize key areas within the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) via its Hebrew X account.
As Israeli attacks intensify, officials from the Hamas-run civil defense and health ministry report that approximately 250 individuals have lost their lives since Thursday. In response to escalating violence, Israel had previously imposed an aid blockade on the region in March following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire. Former US President Donald Trump highlighted the dire situation on Friday, stating that many people are experiencing starvation in Gaza.
Interestingly, the IDF did not use the operational name in similar posts on its English-language X account, maintaining a focus on military objectives. The military stated it would continue its operations until Hamas no longer poses a threat and all hostages are returned home. Over the past 24 hours, the IDF has reportedly targeted more than 150 terror sites throughout the Gaza Strip.
Despite mounting international pressure to resume ceasefire negotiations and lift the blockade, Israel has ramped up its bombardment and bolstered armored forces along the border. The commencement of Operation Gideon's Chariots indicates that diplomatic efforts have largely failed. According to The Times of Israel, the operation is named after a biblical warrior, symbolizing the IDF's intent to capture and control territory, relocate civilians to the southern part of the strip, and prevent Hamas from seizing control of humanitarian aid supplies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously indicated that Israel was preparing for a decisive military entry into Gaza to capture and hold territory. His government planned to wait until Trump completed his Middle East tour before launching the operation. Following Trump's departure from the region on Friday, the military action commenced.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has warned that Israel's recent military escalation could constitute a violation of international law. He emphasized that the ongoing bombardment, forced displacement of civilians, and systematic destruction of neighborhoods highlight a potential push for a permanent demographic shift in Gaza, which he characterized as ethnic cleansing.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over the unfolding situation, reflecting the international community's apprehension. British reconstructive surgeon Victoria Rose, working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, shared distressing accounts of the humanitarian crisis, noting that her team was exhausted and struggling with severe malnutrition among children. Many young patients are experiencing significant health issues, including tooth loss and severe burn injuries, exacerbated by malnutrition, making them far more vulnerable to infections and reducing their healing capacity.
A recent UN-backed assessment revealed that Gaza's population faces a critical risk of famine. Despite the alarming conditions, the Israeli government has consistently rejected claims that there is a food shortage in the region. This military campaign against Hamas was triggered by a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. Currently, Hamas is still holding 57 hostages.
