Operation Gideon's Chariots: Pressuring Hamas to Release Hostages
Straight-Up Updates:
Israel initiates fresh military action in Gaza, a day following Trump's departure from the Middle East
Israel kicked off a major offensive on the Gaza Strip dubbed Operation Gideon Chariots, aiming to pressure Hamas into freeing the remaining hostages. The operation followed days of bombings across the Palestinian territory, leading to immense death and destruction.
Giving 'em What-for:
The Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirming the aggressive nature of this operation, declared that it was being led with "great force." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously vowed to escalate pressure with the ultimate goal of dismantling the militant group Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for almost two decades.
Trump Timeout:
This military action came one day after US President Donald Trump wrapped up his Middle East trip without a visit to Israel. It was speculated that Trump's visit could potentially increase the likelihood of a ceasefire deal or the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, currently barred by Israel.
Not-So-Swift Negotiations:
Talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha, Qatar have yet to yield progress. Hamas, which released an Israeli-American hostage as a goodwill gesture prior to Trump's trip, insists on a comprehensive deal that concludes the war and leads to Israeli troop withdrawal, a demand Israel refuses to meet.
The Ceaseless Conflict:
Israel's army has been reported to be intensifying attacks and applying "tremendous pressure" on Hamas across Gaza, promising to continue until the hostages are returned and the militant group dismantled. Israel believes as many as 23 hostages are still alive.
Casualties Galore:
In the last 24 hours alone, more than 150 individuals were known to have been killed in Israeli strikes, with over 3,000 casualties since the Israeli break of a January ceasefire on March 18.
Collateral Damage:
In the Jabaliya refugee camp, at least four children were killed in an Israeli strike, while seven others were wounded. Another strike in Jabaliya resulted in four fatalities. Airstrikes in central Gaza killed 14 people, with eight deaths reported in one house hit by a strike.
Civilians Under Siege:
The Israeli military issued no immediate response to these civilian casualties, while separately claiming to have killed dozens of Hamas fighters. It also claimed to have dismantled an "underground route" in northern Gaza.
Protests in Tel Aviv:
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, voicing demands for a peace deal to end the war and secure the return of all hostages. One attendee, Dalia Kushnir-Horn, sister-in-law of hostage Eitan Horn, passionately urged a settlement, stating, "This moment for a deal should not be missed, lest it becomes a betrayal of history, leaving a stain that won't fade."
Month Three of Blockade:
The Gaza Strip is now in its third month under Israeli blockade, with no food, water, fuel or other goods entering the territory inhabited by more than 2 million people. Food security experts warn that this could lead to a famine within the territory if the blockade isn't lifted.
Humanitarian Aid Ahead?
A new humanitarian organization, backed by the USA, expects to begin operations by the end of the month. However, many in the humanitarian community are reluctant to participate, as they believe the system does not adhere to humanitarian principles and won't meet the needs of Palestinians in Gaza.
Article contributions by Ibrahim Hazboun And Samy Magdy. Magdy reported from Cairo.
- The Israeli military is applying "tremendous pressure" on Hamas across Gaza, with defense minister Israel Katz declaring it is being led with "great force."
- The operation, known as Operation Gideon's Chariots, is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release remaining hostages, following days of bombings across the Gaza Strip resulting in immense death and destruction.
- In the midst of this war-and-conflicts situation, a lack of political progress has been seen in talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha, Qatar.
- The new humanitarian organization, backed by the USA, expects to begin operations by the end of the month, but many in the humanitarian community are hesitant to participate, fearing it does not adhere to humanitarian principles and will not meet the needs of Palestinians in Gaza.
