Israel has initiated a large-scale military campaign in the Gaza Strip named Operation Gideon Chariots, aimed at forcing Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Defense Minister Israel Katz described the operation as being executed with “great force,” while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his goal to eliminate Hamas, the governing militant group in Gaza for nearly two decades. The announcement came after a week of intensified Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of hundreds across the territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
Diplomatic Deadlock and Rising Civilian Casualties Amid Intensified Gaza Military Operations
The military escalation coincided with the end of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit, which did not include a stop in Israel. Hopes that the trip might encourage a ceasefire or the restart of humanitarian aid went unfulfilled. In Doha, Qatar, negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked. Hamas demands an end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces as a condition for releasing hostages, while Israel refuses to consider any such deal.
The ongoing military campaign has led to increasing civilian casualties. In the past 24 hours alone, over 150 people were reported killed by Israeli airstrikes, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Strikes on the Jabaliya refugee camp and the Deir al-Balah region caused multiple deaths, including children and entire families. Although the Israeli military stated it had killed numerous Hamas fighters and destroyed an underground tunnel system, it provided no immediate comments on civilian fatalities.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Gaza Faces Blockade, Famine Threat, and Aid Controversy
Gaza is now enduring the third month of a severe Israeli blockade, with no food, water, fuel, or other essential supplies entering the region. Experts warn of an impending famine unless the blockade is lifted. A new U.S.-backed humanitarian initiative—the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation—plans to begin aid distribution soon, led by U.S. military veterans and humanitarian coordinators.
However, major humanitarian organizations, including the U.N., have rejected the plan, saying it doesn’t align with established humanitarian standards and will be inadequate for Gaza’s urgent needs.
The war originated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. In response, Israel began a massive military campaign that has since killed over 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Most of the victims have been women and children, though the figures do not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties. Despite mounting international concerns and calls for a ceasefire, the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation.