Israel launches a major Gaza offensive, Operation Gideon’s Chariots, targeting Hamas strongholds and aiming to secure the release of remaining hostages amid growing international criticism.
Israel Gaza Offensive Begins as IDF Launches ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots’
The Israeli military has officially launched a new large-scale offensive in Gaza, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, with the goal of defeating Hamas and rescuing the remaining hostages.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on its Hebrew-language X account that it had mobilised troops to seize “strategic areas” across the Gaza Strip.
“We will not stop until Hamas is no longer a threat and all our hostages are home,” the IDF said, confirming that over 150 targets were struck across the strip in the past 24 hours.
Heavy Casualties Reported as Aid Blockade Continues
Officials from Hamas-run civil defence and the Gaza health ministry report that around 250 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since Thursday. The offensive follows the collapse of a two-month ceasefire in March, after which Israel imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently concluded a Middle East tour, stated Friday that “a lot of people were starving” in Gaza.
While the IDF used the name “Gideon’s Chariots” in Hebrew communications, its English-language posts did not mention the operational title.
Tactical Objectives: Territory Control and Hamas Suppression
According to the Times of Israel, the new offensive aims to:
- Capture and control territory within Gaza
- Displace civilians southward
- Target and neutralize Hamas infrastructure
- Secure aid corridors to prevent Hamas diversion of supplies
The name Gideon’s Chariots references the biblical warrior Gideon and reflects Israel’s intention to maintain prolonged control of seized areas.
Netanyahu: “An Intense Entry into Gaza” Was Planned
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had signaled earlier this month that Israel was preparing an “intense entry into Gaza” following Trump’s departure from the region. With the U.S. president having left Friday, the operation appears to have entered full force.
International pressure to renew ceasefire talks has grown in recent weeks, but the launch of this new military phase suggests diplomatic efforts have failed.
UN Chief: Gaza Escalation Could Violate International Law
UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk has raised alarm about the legality of Israel’s latest actions, warning that the operation may constitute a breach of international law.
“The systematic destruction of neighbourhoods, forced displacement, and denial of aid strongly suggest an attempt at demographic change,” Türk said. “This may amount to ethnic cleansing.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that the United States is “troubled” by developments on the ground.
Hospitals Overwhelmed as Malnutrition and Injury Surge
On the ground, British reconstructive surgeon Victoria Rose, working in Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, painted a dire picture.
“The children are really thin. Many of them have lost teeth. Burn injuries are common, and in this level of malnutrition, infections spread rapidly, and wounds don’t heal.”
She added that her medical team is “exhausted” and suffering physically from the harsh working conditions.
A UN-backed food security assessment released Monday warns that Gaza’s population is at “critical risk” of famine.
Israel Rejects Claims of Starvation, Maintains Military Stance
Despite multiple humanitarian warnings, the Israeli government has denied that there is a food shortage in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has justified its military campaign as a response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas cross-border attack, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.
According to Israeli authorities, Hamas still holds 57 hostages.
Conclusion: ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots’ Marks Escalation in Israel Gaza Offensive
With the formal launch of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, Israel has committed to a deeper military campaign inside Gaza, despite mounting international concern, UN condemnation, and worsening humanitarian conditions.
As global leaders continue to call for restraint and a ceasefire, the path to peace remains uncertain, and the cost of war continues to rise for civilians on both sides.