Israel has initiated a significant military campaign named Operation Gideon Chariots in the Gaza Strip, aiming to compel Hamas to free remaining hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his negotiating team to remain in Qatar for ongoing indirect talks with the militant group. Defence Minister Israel Katz asserted that the operation is being conducted with substantial force, with Netanyahu committing to intensify actions against Hamas, which has governed Gaza for nearly 20 years.
The escalation comes shortly after US President Donald Trump’s tour of the Middle East, where expectations for a ceasefire or resumption of humanitarian aid were unrealised. Israel’s blockade of Gaza, essential supplies have been withheld for over two months, has left many in dire conditions.
Tensions in the region have soared, with Israeli airstrikes resulting in over 150 deaths in a single day, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Since a January ceasefire ended, more than 3,000 Palestinians have reportedly died. Recent strikes have targeted residential areas, resulting in civilian casualties, including the deaths of children in Jabaliya refugee camp. Local residents expressed despair over the continuing violence, fearing for their lives as destruction looms.
Despite military operations, Netanyahu has maintained constant communication with negotiators in Doha concerning hostage situations. While Hamas had previously released an Israeli-American hostage as a gesture, they demand a ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli troops, conditions that Israel is unwilling to meet. The Israeli army has stated its intent to persist until all hostages are returned.
The humanitarian crisis is escalating, with Gaza facing severe shortages of food, water, and fuel. Experts warn that the region is on the brink of famine. A new humanitarian initiative, supported by the US, is set to commence aid delivery soon, although many in the humanitarian sector, including the UN, remain sceptical about its alignment with humanitarian principles. The UN has stated that aid could be mobilised immediately if permitted to operate freely.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel, tragically resulting in numerous deaths and abductions. Israel’s extensive military response has created a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with casualty figures exceeding 53,000, predominantly non-combatants as per the local Health Ministry data. As protests in Israel also emerge, citizens are calling for a resolution that ensures the safe return of hostages while addressing the growing humanitarian needs in Gaza.