Israeli Forces Launch Fresh Attack in Gaza
On Saturday, Israeli forces announced a significant military operation in Gaza, following reports that 100 individuals had lost their lives in the besieged territory. The Army stated via telegram that this operation marked the “early stages” of what they referred to as Operation Gideon.
The goal of this operation is to expand military efforts in the Gaza Strip, which they claim aims to achieve several objectives, including the defeat of Hamas and the recovery of hostages.
In a separate statement, the Army revealed that they were mobilizing troops to gain operational control in parts of Gaza. Meanwhile, the civil defense agency in Gaza reported that Israeli strikes resulted in 100 casualties just yesterday. The Israeli Army, however, claimed to have targeted over 150 sites associated with terrorism throughout the area within a 24-hour period.
Military actions resumed on March 18 after a two-month ceasefire, prompted by an earlier attack from Palestinian groups in October 2023. This renewed assault has sparked increased scrutiny, especially as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing calls to ease the humanitarian blockade on Gaza amid warnings from NGOs about critical shortages of essential supplies, including food, clean water, fuel, and medicine.
The resurgence of military activity since March 18 has led to international condemnation. A UN rights director recently criticized the latest offensive, suggesting it appears aimed at “ethnic cleansing,” specifically targeting demographic shifts in Gaza in blatant violation of international law.
A prominent Israeli group advocating for families of hostages argued that by intensifying military attacks, Netanyahu has squandered a significant opportunity to negotiate the release of their loved ones through diplomatic channels.
On the negotiation front, Hamas sought the U.S. to persuade Israel to lift the blockade in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages. Edan Alexander, the last known U.S. hostage, was freed last week following interactions with the Trump administration.
As part of a deal regarding Alexander’s release, Hamas spokesperson Tarmas Al Nunu stated that the group would permit immediate humanitarian assistance to enter and expressed their hope for increased pressure from the U.S. government.
Israel defends its decision to limit aid to Gaza as a strategy to compel Hamas into compliance.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating, “many people are starving.” He assured reporters in Abu Dhabi that efforts would be made to address the situation.
Discussions surrounding Gaza are expected to dominate the agenda at the upcoming Arab League meeting in Baghdad, where UN Chief Antonio Guterres will be present, along with criticism from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez regarding Israel’s actions.
The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,218 fatalities on the Israeli side, as reported by AFP based on official counts. Out of 251 hostages taken during that incident, 57 are still held in Gaza.
According to the health ministry in Hamas-controlled territories, 2,985 people have died since the resumption of Israeli strikes on March 18, marking a total of 53,119 casualties since the conflict erupted.
