Israel Launches Major Gaza Offensive as Trump Departs Region Without Ceasefire Deal
On the same day that U.S. President Donald Trump wrapped up his Middle East tour without brokering a ceasefire, the Israeli military announced the initiation of a new large-scale military campaign in Gaza.
Launch of 'Operation Gideon’s Chariots'
In a statement issued late Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared the commencement of “extensive attacks” and the mobilization of forces aimed at seizing strategic locations within the Gaza Strip. This move marks the opening phase of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots”—an intensified campaign with the stated objectives of liberating hostages and dismantling Hamas.
The offensive aligns with previous remarks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who earlier in May stated that Gaza’s population would be pushed southward. His security cabinet had recently endorsed an expanded military strategy that, according to one cabinet minister, aims to “conquer” Gaza.
“The Southern Command troops will persist in defending Israeli citizens and pursuing the goals of this war,” the IDF emphasized in its declaration.
Escalation and Civilian Toll
Since Thursday, Israeli air and ground forces have escalated operations across Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 individuals, according to Gaza Civil Defense. Many casualties occurred in Jabalya (north) and Khan Younis (south).
Despite President Trump's proposal for a “freedom zone” within the enclave, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to a strategy aimed at completely defeating Hamas and increasing military control over larger portions of Gaza, effectively displacing civilians into increasingly limited southern areas.
Strained US-Israel Relations
The latest Israeli actions come amid growing signs of divergence between Washington and Tel Aviv. President Trump, who did not include Israel in his latest Middle East itinerary, has repeatedly called for an end to what he labeled a “brutal war” in Gaza.
Notably, Trump bypassed Israel in brokering direct agreements with regional militant groups. These developments included the release of an Israeli-American hostage by Hamas and a pledge from the Houthi rebels to cease attacks on American vessels, although they vowed to continue actions against Israel.
Responding to criticisms of sidelining Israel, Trump stated, “This is good for Israel.” However, the next day, he floated the idea of the U.S. taking over Gaza to establish a “freedom zone” under American oversight.
“I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good,” he said during remarks in Qatar. “Let the United States make it a freedom zone.”
While in Abu Dhabi, Trump also acknowledged the humanitarian crisis: “A lot of people are starving. We’re going to get that taken care of.”
Humanitarian Emergency Deepens
UN agencies are ringing alarm bells over the dire situation facing civilians. A report from UNRWA estimates that over 436,000 people have been forcibly displaced since March, when Israel reignited its ground assault on Gaza.
For nearly 11 consecutive weeks, Israel has imposed a total siege on the enclave, blocking the delivery of food, medicine, and essential aid to Gaza’s population of over 2 million.
Israel maintains that the blockade and escalated bombardment are pressure tactics intended to force Hamas to release hostages. However, international watchdogs and humanitarian groups argue that these measures amount to violations of international law, with widespread accusations of using starvation as a weapon of war.
A recent UN study warned that one in five Gazans faces starvation, and that the entire population is now at high risk of famine, constituting the most extreme category of food insecurity.
Controversial Aid Distribution Plan
In a controversial shift, the U.S. and Israel are supporting the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is designed to bypass traditional UN aid channels. Its executive director, Jake Wood, confirmed to CNN that Israel has agreed to permit limited food deliveries before the full launch of the foundation's aid mechanism later this month. However, specifics regarding the timing and volume of aid trucks remain unclear.
Despite rising global condemnation, Israel continues to restrict access, now entering the third month of its blockade. Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated this week:
“We are destroying more and more homes, they have nowhere to return to. The only inevitable outcome will be the desire of Gazans to emigrate outside of the Gaza Strip.”
Trump, early in his presidency, had expressed support for such a displacement strategy.
Human Cost of the War
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that the death toll from Israeli operations in Gaza has now surpassed 53,000, with women and children comprising the majority of the victims.
The war began on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas and other Palestinian factions on southern Israel, which left 1,200 people dead—mostly civilians—and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. This attack is now considered the deadliest terror incident in Israeli history.
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