Israel initiated a new, intense ground offensive in the Gaza Strip over the weekend, coinciding with the departure of U.S. President Donald Trump from the Middle East without securing a ceasefire or hostage agreement. The operation, named "Gideon’s Chariots," targets both northern and southern Gaza and follows more than two months of a strict blockade and heavy airstrikes that have devastated the territory.
The offensive began just as indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas were underway in Doha, Qatar, with Israel aiming to apply "tremendous pressure" on Hamas to surrender and release hostages. Despite ongoing negotiations, no breakthrough was reached during Trump’s visit, which notably did not include Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated intentions to take operational control over Gaza, possibly extending to full territorial control. The military campaign seeks to defeat Hamas and secure the release of captives, though Netanyahu has faced criticism for not prioritizing hostage returns and dismissing Hamas’s peace proposals.
The ground assault follows a week of intense airstrikes that have killed hundreds of Palestinians, including entire families, and forced the closure of Gaza’s last operational hospital in the north. Humanitarian organizations warn of a worsening crisis amid severe food shortages and civilian casualties.
Israel has announced it will allow a "basic amount of food" into Gaza to prevent famine, a move seen as a response to international pressure. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate, with significant loss of life and no immediate resolution in sight.