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| Palestinians in the Gaza Strip flee with their possessions following intensified Israeli military attacks on May 16, 2025 |
The Israeli military has initiated the first stages of a significant offensive in Gaza, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump's departure from the region without securing a ceasefire agreement. This escalation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.
Escalation in Gaza
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced extensive attacks and troop mobilizations aimed at capturing strategic areas as part of "Operation Gideon’s Chariots." The operation's stated objectives include defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously indicated plans to displace Gaza's population southward, describing the strategy as a means to "conquer" the territory. The IDF affirmed its commitment to achieving the war’s goals, including safeguarding Israeli citizens.
Since Thursday, Israeli strikes have intensified, with over 100 casualties reported, primarily in northern Gaza’s Jabalya and southern Khan Younis regions. Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations, even as Trump proposed a "freedom zone" for Gaza during his Middle East visit.
Strained U.S.-Israel Relations
The new offensive highlights growing tensions between the U.S. and Israeli governments. While Trump urged an end to the "brutal war," he avoided visiting Israel during his regional tour. He has also engaged directly with militant groups, securing agreements with Hamas and the Houthis, sidelining Israel in key negotiations.
Trump’s controversial suggestion to transform Gaza into a U.S.-controlled "freedom zone" has faced skepticism. Speaking in Qatar, he acknowledged Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, pledging U.S. involvement to address starvation and displacement.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
UN agencies have sounded alarms about the dire conditions in Gaza. Nearly 11 weeks of a total blockade have deprived the territory of essential supplies, including food and medicine. Over 436,000 people have been forcibly displaced, and one in five residents faces starvation, according to a recent UN report.
Israel defends the blockade as leverage to secure hostage releases, but international organizations have accused it of violating international law by using starvation as a weapon. Despite mounting criticism, Israel has shown no signs of easing restrictions.
Wider Implications
The death toll from Israeli operations since October 2023 has surpassed 53,000, with most victims being women and children. This follows Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,200 civilians and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, marking the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel’s history.
As the conflict intensifies, international actors are calling for urgent action to address the escalating humanitarian and geopolitical crisis. However, with no immediate resolution in sight, the region faces prolonged turmoil.
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