JERUSALEM — Israel initiated a considerable military operation in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his negotiating team to remain in Qatar for indirect discussions with extremist factions.
Defense Minister Katz stated that Operation Gideon Chariot was executed with “a great force.” Netanyahu pledged to intensify efforts to dismantle the extremist groups controlling Gaza for nearly twenty years.
This military action in Palestinian territories came a day after US President Donald Trump wrapped up his Middle East trip without a stop in Israel. There was optimism that his visit might facilitate a ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israeli officials shared that Netanyahu has maintained constant communication with the Doha negotiating team and US envoy Steve Witkov, insisting they stay for discussions. One official spoke anonymously as they were not allowed to reveal details about the sensitive negotiations.
Hamas previously released some Israeli hostages as a goodwill gesture before Trump’s visit but has since demanded a deal to end the conflict, which would require the withdrawal of Israeli troops—a request Israel has rejected.
The Israeli military announced on social media that operations will continue until the hostages are freed and the extremist factions are broken down. They believe around 23 hostages may still be alive in Gaza, although there are growing concerns about three of them.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, over 150 individuals have died from Israeli strikes in the past day, bringing the total to more than 3,000 since Israel resumed military action following a ceasefire violation on March 18th.
On Saturday afternoon, an Israeli strike reportedly killed four children in a Jabariya refugee camp, and at least seven others were injured. Al Auda Hospital confirmed receiving the bodies from the attack. Additionally, another strike in Jabariya took the lives of four more people.
In the words of one man fleeing Jabariya, “This is unacceptable. How long? Until we all die?” as he made his way down a street littered with debris. Smoke billowed in the distance from the airstrike.
Airstrikes near Deial Balau in central Gaza claimed 14 lives, with many bodies transported to Al Aqsa Hospital. One specific strike on a home resulted in eight fatalities, including parents and four children.
A strike occurred outside a school housing displaced persons in Gaza City, resulting in four deaths, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health Emergency Services.
No immediate response from Israel followed the strike. Another report mentioned that the military had killed numerous fighters while targeting “underground routes” in northern Gaza.
On Saturday evening, hundreds protested in Tel Aviv, some carrying images of Palestinian children killed in Gaza, while others called for a resolution to the conflict and the safe return of all hostages.
“Let me be clear. Regardless of political stance, the Israeli community unites in the quest for a hostage exchange,” one protester stated.
Third Month of Israel’s Lockdown
Gaza has endured three months of an Israeli blockade, resulting in a lack of food, water, fuel, and other essential supplies for its over two million residents. Experts on food security have warned that without intervention, widespread hunger may occur.
A new humanitarian organization has expressed hopes of launching aid operations by the end of the month after reaching an agreement with Israeli officials. This initiative, led by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, involves various former military, humanitarian, and security experts.
However, many humanitarian groups, including the United Nations, have opted out of the initiative, arguing it doesn’t align with established humanitarian principles and cannot effectively meet the needs of Palestinians.
UN Humanitarian Director Tom Fletcher informed reporters on Friday that there is already a plan in place to deliver 160,000 aid supplies.
The Gaza conflict ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 individuals. Israel’s retaliatory actions have led to over 53,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry without distinguishing between civilians and combatants.
