Israel Launches Major Military Operation in Gaza
JERUSALEM — Israel announced on Saturday the start of a significant military operation in the Gaza Strip, aimed at pressuring Hamas to release any remaining hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed a negotiating team to stay in Qatar for indirect talks with the militant group.
Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Operation Gideon’s Chariots was being carried out with substantial force by the Israeli army. Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to intensifying efforts to dismantle Hamas, which has held power in Gaza for nearly 20 years.
This military action came just a day after former President Donald Trump wrapped up a Middle East visit, which many hoped would foster a ceasefire or facilitate humanitarian aid to the besieged area after an extensive Israeli blockade.
An Israeli official indicated that Netanyahu was in constant communication with the negotiating team in Doha, Qatar, and the U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff. The official requested anonymity, as discussions about sensitive negotiations were ongoing.
Hamas, which had previously released an Israeli-American hostage as a goodwill gesture before Trump’s visit, is calling for a deal to end the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces—a proposal Israel has firmly rejected.
The Israeli army stated on social media that operations would continue until hostages were returned and Hamas was dismantled. Estimates suggest that up to 23 hostages may still be alive in Gaza, though concerns about the health of three of them have been raised by officials.
In the last 24 hours, airstrikes by Israel reportedly caused over 150 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Nearly 3,000 lives have been lost since Israel ended a ceasefire in March.
Tragically, a recent airstrike reportedly killed at least four children in the Jabaliya refugee camp. Witnesses recounted the chaos as families fled, carrying belongings through devastated streets, with smoke from airstrikes looming in the background.
Further airstrikes around Deir al-Balah resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, with many victims being children and their parents. Other attacks targeted a school housing displaced persons, resulting in additional casualties.
As of now, Israeli officials have not commented on these airstrikes. Separate sources report that the army has eliminated numerous combatants while targeting underground routes used by Hamas in northern Gaza.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, hundreds of protesters gathered Saturday night, some holding photos of deceased Palestinian children. They urged for a return of all hostages and an end to the conflict. Dalia Kushnir-Horn, whose brother-in-law is a hostage, appealed to the crowd, stressing the importance of a hostages agreement.
Ongoing Israeli Blockade Reaches Three Months
Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has restricted the flow of food, water, and essential goods, has now reached its third month. Experts warn that this could lead to severe food shortages if not lifted soon.
Earlier this week, a newly established humanitarian organization backed by the U.S. announced plans to commence operations by the end of the month, pending crucial agreements with Israeli authorities. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aims to take charge of aid delivery with a team comprised of experienced veterans and humanitarian coordinators.
Despite this initiative, many in the humanitarian community, including the UN, have expressed reluctance to participate, citing that the proposed system does not adhere to humanitarian principles and will struggle to meet the needs of those in Gaza.
Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian chief, stated that a comprehensive aid delivery plan is ready and could be activated immediately if permitted.
The conflict reignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surge of attacks in southern Israel, leading to the loss of approximately 1,200 lives, mostly civilians, and 251 hostages taken. Israel’s retaliation has reportedly resulted in a high toll of over 53,000 Palestinian deaths, a figure that lacks a clear distinction between civilians and militants as reported by Gazan authorities.
