The Israeli military has launched a major new offensive in the Gaza Strip, intensifying the conflict on the same day that US President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East visit without securing a ceasefire agreement. The offensive, named Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” aims to seize strategic areas in Gaza and defeat Hamas, according to a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday.

Operation Gideon’s Chariots and Military Escalation

The IDF described the operation as an expansion of its ongoing campaign in Gaza, with troops mobilized to achieve the war’s objectives, including the release of hostages held by Hamas. The military said that its Southern Command forces would continue to operate with a focus on protecting Israeli citizens and accomplishing their goals.

Since Thursday, the Israeli military has intensified its bombardments, resulting in over 100 fatalities, with heavy casualties reported in northern Gaza’s Jabalya and southern Khan Younis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue the bombings, with a strategy to push Gaza’s population southward while expanding military control over the territory.

Trump’s Visit and Diplomatic Developments

President Trump’s visit to the Middle East ended without a ceasefire deal, highlighting growing differences between the US and Israeli governments. Trump did not visit Israel during his tour, focusing instead on deals with regional militant groups and bypassing Israel in several agreements.

Trump proposed the creation of a US-led “freedom zone” in Gaza, suggesting American involvement to manage the enclave. He acknowledged the dire conditions in Gaza, noting widespread starvation and promising US intervention to address the humanitarian situation.

Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply. The United Nations reports that approximately 436,000 people have been forcibly displaced since March, amid a complete Israeli siege blocking food, medical supplies, and aid to over two million residents.

UN agencies warn that one in five people in Gaza faces starvation, with the entire population at high risk of famine — the most severe hunger crisis. Despite international criticism, Israel maintains the blockade, which it justifies as pressure on Hamas to release hostages.

The newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the US and Israel, plans to deliver aid, but the timing and scale remain uncertain. International organizations remain skeptical about its effectiveness.

Background and Conflict Overview

The conflict escalated after Hamas and allied Palestinian groups launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 civilians and taking 251 hostages. Since then, the war has claimed over 53,000 lives in Gaza, predominantly women and children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

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