The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 100 people were killed in a single day as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a new phase of its military campaign, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
According to officials in Gaza, 2,985 people have been killed since March 18, when Israel resumed its offensive following a two-month ceasefire. This brings the total death toll since the conflict began in October 2023 to 53,119, amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation.
Israel Expands Military Push
The IDF stated that the renewed military action represents the “initial stages” of a widening offensive aimed at achieving Israel’s war objectives: the destruction of Hamas and the release of hostages.
“The operation is part of the expansion of the battle in the Gaza Strip, with the goal of achieving all the war’s objectives,” read a post from the IDF on Telegram.
Over 150 “terror targets” were hit within 24 hours, the IDF confirmed, as Israeli troops mobilized to assert operational control over new areas of Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The mass casualties from the latest strikes have intensified fears of a worsening humanitarian disaster. Aid groups and international organisations have warned of critical shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and fuel due to Israel’s continued blockade of aid corridors.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the offensive on Friday, warning that the attacks and blockade may amount to forcible displacement of the civilian population.
“The scale and intensity of the renewed strikes, combined with the severe restrictions on aid, are pushing Gaza’s civilians to the brink,” the UN stated.
Netanyahu Under Pressure
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting international criticism and internal dissent over the ongoing war strategy, particularly the humanitarian implications of the blockade.
Calls are growing for aid corridors to be reopened and for a renewed ceasefire to allow for civilian relief and evacuation.
Conflict Timeline and Hostage Crisis
The conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel that left 1,218 people dead, mostly civilians, and 251 hostages taken, according to AFP.
Since then, Israel’s campaign has continued with intensity, even after a temporary truce. Of the hostages, 57 remain in captivity, and 34 are believed to have died, according to the Israeli military.
As Operation Gideon’s Chariots unfolds, there is no indication of an imminent ceasefire, raising concerns that the humanitarian and security crises will escalate further in the coming days.
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