Israel Launches Fresh Offensive to Seize and Control Gaz
The Israeli military has launched a new large-scale offensive in Gaza, aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure and securing the release of remaining Israeli hostages.
In a post on its official Hebrew-language X (formerly Twitter) account, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the launch of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, describing it as a strategic push to seize key areas of the Gaza Strip.
According to the IDF, the operation involves coordinated ground, air, and naval assaults targeting what it described as “terrorist strongholds and tunnel networks.”
Since the operation began on Thursday, officials from Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defence and health ministry claim at least 250 people have been killed in Israeli strikes. The figure has not been independently verified, and the Israeli military has yet to comment on civilian casualties.
This escalation comes after the collapse of a two-month ceasefire in March, which Israel said was violated by renewed rocket attacks from within Gaza. In response, Tel Aviv reinstated a total blockade, halting all humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies.
The humanitarian situation in the enclave continues to deteriorate. The United Nations and several global aid agencies have called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access for relief efforts.
Israel says the offensive will continue until all hostages taken during the October 2024 incursion by Hamas are accounted for and militant threats in Gaza are neutralised.
