Israel Launches Operation 'Gideon’s Chariots' in Gaza
Intensive Military Campaign Announced as Israel Gives Hamas 48 Hours to Negotiate
In the early hours of Saturday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) commenced Operation 'Gideon’s Chariots' in the Gaza Strip.
This military initiative, in its initial phase, has been characterized by significant airstrikes and troop deployments aimed at controlling strategic areas within Gaza.
Israeli officials have issued an ultimatum to Hamas, providing 48 hours to engage in negotiations for a ceasefire and the potential release of hostages.
The IDF reported that it carried out extensive aerial bombardments, targeting approximately 150 locations across Gaza during the opening hours of the operation, resulting in numerous casualties.
Concurrently, the IDF distributed leaflets in Gaza, warning residents of an impending ground invasion, stating, 'The Israeli army is coming.'
Military sources indicated that additional troops, including engineering and infantry units, were being mobilized to reinforce operations already underway.
Air and naval forces have been instructed to engage in heavy gunfire, complementing artillery operations aimed at Hamas positions.
Maroan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, reported receiving 58 deceased individuals and 133 injured as a result of the strikes, describing the ongoing situation as dire with many individuals unaccounted for under collapsed structures.
The offensive commenced following warnings from Israeli officials that failure to accept the framework proposed by U.S. envoy Steve Witikoff would lead to escalated military action, including a sustained ground invasion.
According to Israeli military officials, the overarching aim of the operation is to eventually occupy Gaza and maintain control, with a specific emphasis on disrupting Hamas's control over aid supplies and compelling the group to return to negotiations.
Defense Minister Israeli Katz claimed that the operation had successfully brought Hamas representatives back to the negotiating table in Doha.
Reports from Israeli media outlets suggest that the current military campaign is designed to facilitate an eventual agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas, which has previously rejected Witikoff's plan.
This plan proposes a phased release of hostages, contingent upon a longer-term ceasefire agreement.
Israeli authorities insist that Hamas must accept the proposed terms quickly, allowing less than 48 hours for negotiations.
Military sources indicated that approximately 35-40 percent of Gaza is under IDF control, with plans to enhance Israeli dominance over additional territories as the operation progresses.
The operation is structured in three primary phases, with the first phase, focused on preparatory activities, having been completed.
The second phase, currently in progress, involves intensive bombardment aimed at facilitating the evacuation of civilian populations to safer areas.
The third phase will consist of ground maneuvers to systematically secure and occupy portions of the territory.
The developments in Gaza coincide with rising tensions regarding the prospect of relocating Gaza's residents to other regions, which has been met with firm opposition from various political factions globally.
Discussions surrounding such relocation plans have been categorized as critical and controversial, underscoring the complex implications of the ongoing conflict.
This military initiative, in its initial phase, has been characterized by significant airstrikes and troop deployments aimed at controlling strategic areas within Gaza.
Israeli officials have issued an ultimatum to Hamas, providing 48 hours to engage in negotiations for a ceasefire and the potential release of hostages.
The IDF reported that it carried out extensive aerial bombardments, targeting approximately 150 locations across Gaza during the opening hours of the operation, resulting in numerous casualties.
Concurrently, the IDF distributed leaflets in Gaza, warning residents of an impending ground invasion, stating, 'The Israeli army is coming.'
Military sources indicated that additional troops, including engineering and infantry units, were being mobilized to reinforce operations already underway.
Air and naval forces have been instructed to engage in heavy gunfire, complementing artillery operations aimed at Hamas positions.
Maroan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, reported receiving 58 deceased individuals and 133 injured as a result of the strikes, describing the ongoing situation as dire with many individuals unaccounted for under collapsed structures.
The offensive commenced following warnings from Israeli officials that failure to accept the framework proposed by U.S. envoy Steve Witikoff would lead to escalated military action, including a sustained ground invasion.
According to Israeli military officials, the overarching aim of the operation is to eventually occupy Gaza and maintain control, with a specific emphasis on disrupting Hamas's control over aid supplies and compelling the group to return to negotiations.
Defense Minister Israeli Katz claimed that the operation had successfully brought Hamas representatives back to the negotiating table in Doha.
Reports from Israeli media outlets suggest that the current military campaign is designed to facilitate an eventual agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas, which has previously rejected Witikoff's plan.
This plan proposes a phased release of hostages, contingent upon a longer-term ceasefire agreement.
Israeli authorities insist that Hamas must accept the proposed terms quickly, allowing less than 48 hours for negotiations.
Military sources indicated that approximately 35-40 percent of Gaza is under IDF control, with plans to enhance Israeli dominance over additional territories as the operation progresses.
The operation is structured in three primary phases, with the first phase, focused on preparatory activities, having been completed.
The second phase, currently in progress, involves intensive bombardment aimed at facilitating the evacuation of civilian populations to safer areas.
The third phase will consist of ground maneuvers to systematically secure and occupy portions of the territory.
The developments in Gaza coincide with rising tensions regarding the prospect of relocating Gaza's residents to other regions, which has been met with firm opposition from various political factions globally.
Discussions surrounding such relocation plans have been categorized as critical and controversial, underscoring the complex implications of the ongoing conflict.
