In a significant escalation of its military campaign, the Israeli army announced on Saturday the launch of a large-scale operation in Gaza, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots. This new offensive, described as part of a broader effort to defeat Hamas and rescue hostages, has already resulted in widespread devastation. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that at least 100 Palestinians were killed on Friday alone, while Israeli forces claimed to have targeted over 150 “terror sites” within 24 hours.
The Israeli military stated via Telegram that the campaign marked the “initial stages” of a renewed push to meet the war’s strategic objectives. A separate English-language release highlighted that troops were being mobilized to establish “operational control” in various parts of the Gaza Strip.
This latest phase follows the collapse of a two-month truce on March 18, which had briefly paused Israel’s military operations following Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023. That attack left 1,218 people dead in Israel, most of them civilians, and led to the abduction of 251 individuals. According to the Israeli military, 57 of those hostages remain in Gaza, 34 of whom are believed to have died in captivity.
The resumption of hostilities has drawn sharp international criticism. UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the renewed airstrikes and restrictions on humanitarian aid, warning that these actions suggest a deliberate effort to permanently displace the Gaza population — a move he said could amount to ethnic cleansing and a clear breach of international law.
Amid these developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from both domestic groups and global leaders. The main Israeli advocacy group for the hostages accused Netanyahu of squandering a “historic opportunity” for a diplomatic resolution that could secure their release.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have sharply deteriorated. Aid agencies report critical shortages of food, medicine, clean water, and fuel. Despite the growing desperation, Israel has maintained a blockade on aid, arguing that it is necessary to pressure Hamas into making concessions.
Meanwhile, Hamas has demanded that the U.S. compel Israel to lift the blockade in exchange for hostages. This follows the release of Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage, after direct negotiations with the Trump administration — a move that reportedly sidelined the Israeli government.
Speaking from Abu Dhabi during a regional tour, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the dire situation in Gaza, saying, “A lot of people are starving… and we’re going to get that taken care of.” Notably, his itinerary excludes a stop in Israel, despite its central role in the conflict.
Regional diplomatic efforts continue, with the Arab League convening in Baghdad on Saturday to address ongoing crises, including the war in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has openly criticized Israel’s military tactics, are expected to participate.
Since March 18, the death toll in Gaza has surged to 2,985, bringing the total number of fatalities since the war began to over 53,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. As the humanitarian crisis deepens and international condemnation grows, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain uncertain.
