Israel has intensified its military campaign in Gaza with a large-scale offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages. The escalation has drawn harsh condemnation from the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, which say that civilians are suffering the most from the ongoing operations.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, at least 262 people have been killed and more than 670 injured since the surge in Israeli airstrikes began on Thursday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern on social media, describing the humanitarian conditions in Gaza as “beyond inhumane” and criticizing the blockade on aid. He called for an immediate end to the siege and the unrestricted flow of humanitarian assistance.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a Friday statement that it had launched a broad ground operation as part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” targeting key areas within Gaza. The stated goal is to defeat Hamas and free hostages captured in the October 2023 attacks.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Doha, Qatar, in a renewed effort to secure a ceasefire and reach a hostage release agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the negotiation team to remain in Doha until all options are explored.
This new phase of military action follows a declaration by Netanyahu that the population in Gaza would be pushed southward—a move criticized by rights groups and described by some Israeli officials as part of a broader plan to take control of the territory.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported over 53,000 deaths in Gaza since the conflict escalated in October 2023, with women and children making up the majority of casualties.
Hospitals are facing extreme conditions. Dr. Munir Al-Sultan, Director of the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, reported that explosions had disrupted ventilators and other essential medical equipment. Civilians are also fleeing en masse, with food prices soaring and basic goods becoming unaffordable, according to local residents.
Strained US-Israel Relations and Regional Diplomacy
The offensive comes at a time of apparent tension between the United States and Israel. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently toured the Middle East without visiting Israel, has publicly called for an end to the conflict. While in Qatar, Trump suggested that Gaza could become a “freedom zone” under U.S. oversight and acknowledged the severe food crisis in the region.
During a summit in Baghdad, Arab leaders—including the Emir of Qatar, the presidents of Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani—jointly called for an immediate ceasefire. Their statement condemned forced displacement in Gaza and labeled it a violation of international law and human rights.
The summit was also attended by UN Secretary-General Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Global figures, including the President of the European Council and Germany’s Foreign Ministry, warned that a continued military campaign would only deepen the humanitarian crisis and reduce the chances for lasting peace.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The UN estimates that nearly half a million people have been displaced since March, following a renewed Israeli ground campaign.
Israel has imposed a complete blockade for nearly 11 weeks, denying entry of food, medicine, and other critical supplies. While Israeli officials claim the blockade is intended to pressure Hamas, international organizations argue it amounts to collective punishment and violates international law.
A recent UN study revealed that one in five people in Gaza is experiencing severe hunger, and the entire population is at high risk of famine.
To address the crisis, the U.S. and Israel have introduced the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new aid delivery mechanism that could replace the role of UN agencies in distributing relief. The foundation’s executive director, Jake Wood, said Israel has agreed to allow some food aid in, although specific details remain unclear.
Despite mounting global pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated a firm stance, stating that homes in Gaza are being systematically destroyed and hinting that permanent displacement of the population is an intended outcome—a position echoed by Trump early in his term.
The war began after Hamas and other militant groups launched an unexpected assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and capturing 251 hostages. The attack marked the deadliest in Israel’s history and sparked the ongoing conflict.
Source: CNN
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