By BlogHear Newsroom | May 17, 2025
Gaza Strip — The Israeli military has launched a large-scale ground and air offensive in Gaza, titled Operation Gideon’s Chariots, aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages still held in the enclave.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the operation via its Hebrew-language X account, stating it had mobilized troops to seize “strategic areas” across Gaza. However, the operational name was not used in the IDF’s English-language communications.
According to Hamas-run civil defense and health ministry officials, Israeli strikes have killed approximately 250 people since the offensive began on Thursday.
The operation marks a significant escalation following the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire in March, after which Israel imposed a total aid blockade on the strip. The humanitarian situation has since deteriorated dramatically, with widespread reports of starvation and medical shortages.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who concluded a tour of the Middle East on Friday, commented that “a lot of people were starving” in Gaza.
Israeli Objectives and Global Concerns
The IDF said it had struck over 150 “terror targets” within 24 hours and reiterated that it would continue military operations “until Hamas is no longer a threat and all our hostages are home.”
According to The Times of Israel, Operation Gideon’s Chariots involves the capture and holding of territory, the movement of civilians to southern Gaza, the neutralization of Hamas forces, and the prevention of aid diversion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier signaled plans for an “intense entry into Gaza,” delaying the operation until after Trump’s regional visit.
Despite international calls for restraint and renewed ceasefire negotiations, Israel has intensified airstrikes and deployed additional armored units to the border.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The UN and humanitarian organizations warn of a worsening catastrophe in Gaza. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the operation’s impact on civilians, describing the escalation as potentially violating international law.
“This latest barrage of bombs, forcing people to move amid intensified attacks, and the denial of humanitarian assistance underline a push for a permanent demographic shift in Gaza that is tantamount to ethnic cleansing,” Türk stated.
A UN-backed assessment released on Monday described Gaza’s population as being at “critical risk” of famine.
British reconstructive surgeon Dr. Victoria Rose, working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, told the BBC that her medical team was overwhelmed. “The children are really thin,” she said. “A lot of them have burn injuries and with this level of malnutrition, they’re far more prone to infection and slow to heal.”
Despite mounting evidence of severe food shortages, Israeli officials have denied that a humanitarian crisis exists in Gaza.
Background
Israel began its military campaign against Hamas following the group’s deadly incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack left around 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. Hamas is believed to still hold five hostages.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying the U.S. is “troubled” by the recent developments but did not call for an immediate ceasefire.
As of Saturday morning, Israeli ground forces continue advancing into Gaza under the ongoing operation, while regional leaders and international bodies push for renewed negotiations and immediate humanitarian access.
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