On Sunday, Israel initiated a significant ground operation in Gaza, supplementing an intense air campaign that health officials report has resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals overnight. This escalation has led to the closure of the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
The Israeli military's operation, which affects both northern and southern Gaza, coincides with ongoing international mediation efforts aimed at facilitating ceasefire talks. Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel commenced in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Saturday. Senior Hamas official Taher Al-Nunu confirmed that discussions without preconditions had begun, as reported by Hamas-run al Aqsa TV. Despite some optimism surrounding these talks, a breakthrough appears uncertain.
On Sunday, Israeli sources indicated a willingness to consider ending the conflict if Hamas agrees to surrender, a condition that the militant group is unlikely to accept. "If Hamas wants to talk about ending the war through Hamas's surrender, we will be ready," stated an Israeli source.
A senior Hamas leader revealed on Sunday that the group is prepared to release between seven and nine Israeli hostages. In exchange, they are seeking a 60-day ceasefire along with the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli military has launched a new campaign termed "Gideon’s Chariots," referencing a biblical warrior. This operation aims to achieve key objectives, including the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that during this operation, they will enhance their control over Gaza, segmenting the territory while prioritizing the safety of civilians in operational areas. IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin emphasized the need for operational control to achieve the objectives of the campaign.
Analysts suggest that Hamas's agreement to re-engage in talks may be linked to discussions involving U.S. President Donald Trump's recent visit to the Middle East. An official familiar with the negotiations noted that there is renewed pressure from mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to finalize a new ceasefire agreement.
During his trip, Trump directed the Israeli negotiating team to engage in talks in Qatar but emphasized that he would only support a proposal from U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which suggests the release of half the hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. However, this proposal does not guarantee an end to the ongoing war.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with the UN and various aid organizations expressing grave concerns over the impact of Israel's new offensive. Reports indicate that over 300 individuals have been killed and more than 1,000 injured since the escalation of airstrikes began on Thursday. Tragically, entire families have lost their lives while sleeping, including a family of four in a displacement camp in southern Gaza.
The situation has become increasingly dire as Gaza's healthcare system faces collapse. The IDF's strikes have targeted areas near several hospitals, including the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, the last operational medical facility in northern Gaza. Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, the hospital's director, reported severe damage to essential medical equipment, leaving patients without vital care.
As the bombardment persists, the UN has warned that over 2.1 million residents of Gaza are at risk of famine, further compounded by Israel's prolonged blockade of humanitarian aid. UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the renewed bombing campaign, likening it to "ethnic cleansing" and emphasizing the need for immediate humanitarian assistance.
As of Thursday, the death toll from Israel's offensive in response to the October 7 attacks has surpassed 53,000, with a significant proportion being women and children. Despite the ongoing negotiations in Qatar, many Gazans feel abandoned by the international community. Omar Qandil, who lost several family members in airstrikes, lamented, "There is no one looking at us: not Arabs, not Muslims, no one."
The IDF has stated that its operations are conducted in coordination with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, aiming to minimize risks to the remaining hostages. However, the forum has criticized the current military strategy, claiming it endangers those still held captive. Hagai Levine, head of the forum's health team, warned that every bombing increases the risk to hostages and could jeopardize their lives.
As the conflict escalates, the international community remains on edge, seeking a resolution to the crisis in Gaza while grappling with the humanitarian implications of ongoing military operations.
