The Israeli military has announced a major new offensive in Gaza, coinciding with the day former President Trump departed the region without securing a deal

The Israeli military has launched a major new offensive in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The operation, named Operation Gideon’s Chariots, was announced by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday and involves extensive airstrikes and the deployment of ground troops to seize strategic areas within the enclave. According to the IDF, this marks the opening phase of a broader campaign intended to dismantle Hamas, secure the release of Israeli hostages, and fulfill the military objectives of the ongoing war in Gaza.

This development coincided with the conclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump’s regional tour, during which he failed to broker a ceasefire or peace agreement. Despite expressing a desire to end the "brutal war" in Gaza, Trump did not visit Israel during his trip. Instead, he engaged in bilateral discussions with regional actors and proposed controversial ideas for Gaza, including turning the territory into a U.S.-managed “freedom zone.” These comments have contributed to the growing perception of a policy divide between the United States and Israel concerning the handling of the war.

Israeli soldiers have been stepping up their operations throughout Gaza since Thursday; estimates suggest that the fresh bombing has killed more than 100 civilians. As the military tries to establish authority over more of the region, strikes have mainly affected southern regions like Khan Younis and northern areas like Jabalya. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that his administration will defeat Hamas, even if it means forcing a large portion of Gaza's people to relocate permanently to the south.

Despite worldwide condemnation, the Israeli government has not indicated that it will change its military strategy. According to Netanyahu, the damage of Gaza's infrastructure and residences is intentional and intended to render the region uninhabitable for Hamas supporters, which will promote civilian evacuation. Additionally, he reiterated that Israeli forces will keep up their operations until all goals—including Hamas's neutralization—are met.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has drastically worsened amid the rising conflict. Concerns on the seriousness of the issue are being raised by assistance organizations and United Nations agencies. More than 436,000 people have been forcibly relocated since March alone, according to a recent UN report. The more than 2 million inhabitants of the region are unable to obtain basic necessities including food, water, and medical assistance because to Israel's continuous siege, which started more than ten weeks ago.

The establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new organization intended to oversee assistance delivery more carefully, has received backing from the US and Israel. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has traditionally been in charge of relief operations in Gaza, is one of the traditional aid organizations that the foundation is anticipated to replace or augment. Aid agencies, however, have voiced doubts about the impartiality and efficacy of this new process.

Israel has agreed to permit certain food shipments into Gaza until the new aid system is fully operational later this month, according to Jake Wood, the new foundation's executive director. However, several specifics are still unknown, including the amount and timing of these shipments.

Israel keeps growing its military activities in spite of growing demands for moderation and humanitarian access from international groups and world leaders. Since the battle started in October 2023, more than 53,000 people have died in Gaza, with women and children accounting for the majority of the deaths, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched a surprise attack that led to the current conflict, killing almost 1,200 Israelis, largely civilians, and detaining more than 250 more. Israel launched a full-scale military reaction in response to what is regarded as the bloodiest attack in its history, which is still wreaking havoc on Gaza today.