Israel Defense Forces (IDF) destroy numerous underground passages in Jabaliya.
Operation Gideon's Chariots: A Comprehensive Offensive Against Hamas in Gaza
In May 2025, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched a significant military operation named Operation Gideon's Chariots. The aim was to take control of Gaza City and destroy Hamas's military capabilities, marking the largest ground offensive by the IDF in Gaza since the conflict escalated in 2023.
The operation, which began with the objective to destroy Hamas's military capabilities and secure approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip, involved a large-scale mobilization. Over 60,000 reservists were called up to support the offensive, with five IDF divisions, including the Gaza Division and brigades such as the Nahal, Givati, and 7th Brigade, moving in coordinated phases across various neighborhoods like Jabaliya and Zeitoun around Gaza City.
The primary objective of the operation was to clear the area of terrorist hubs. In Jabaliya, the Yahalom special engineering unit worked alongside IDF troops to demolish dozens of tunnel shafts and several underground tunnel routes. The IDF also dismantled a 2.7 km long tunnel network in Jabaliya. Numerous terrorist targets were struck, including structures, observation posts, and launch positions, eliminating over 100 Hamas terrorists according to the IDF.
The operation was part of a two-phase strategy. The initial phase, which ended in June 2025, focused on securing key urban areas. A follow-up phase, called Operation Gideon's Chariots II, started in August 2025 to expand Israeli control further into Gaza City and potentially the Central Camps area, which had not yet been fully controlled by the IDF.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Israeli Air Force, with footage from Gaza showing that 120 terror targets were struck in a day. The targets posed a threat to Israeli forces, as the operation aimed to strike the combat capabilities of terrorist organizations both above and below ground.
The operation continues amid ongoing hostage and ceasefire talks but is justified by Israeli leadership as necessary to decisively defeat Hamas. The impact of the operation so far includes intensified Israeli ground incursions into Gaza's urban neighborhoods, significant military engagement with Hamas forces, and extensive use of reserve troops.
In summary:
| Aspect | Details | |------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Name | Operation Gideon's Chariots (including the continuation phase Gideon's Chariots II) | | Launch Date | May 2025 initial phase; August 2025 continuation | | Objective | Destroy Hamas military capabilities; seize control of Gaza City and parts of the Strip | | Forces Involved | 5 IDF divisions, 12 brigade-level teams, 60,000 reservists called | | Areas Targeted | Gaza City neighborhoods (Jabaliya, Zeitoun, Sabra), potentially Central Camps | | Impact | Ongoing intense ground operations, territorial gains, battalion redeployments |
The operation represents a significant step in the ongoing conflict, with the IDF making significant gains in securing key urban areas and disrupting Hamas's command and supply lines. The operation continues, with the ultimate goal of achieving lasting strategic control and crippling Hamas’s military infrastructure.
On the sporting front, various European soccer leagues paused their weekend games due to the escalating tension and large-scale military operation in Gaza. In the English Premier League, many fans and players wore armbands in solidarity with the people of Gaza during their matches. Furthermore, a charity football match was organized by Muslim footballers in London to raise funds for humanitarian aid, highlighting the global solidarity and compassion for the people caught up in the conflict.
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