Israeli forces have launched a renewed military offensive in Gaza, resulting in at least 100 deaths, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The latest escalation includes heavy airstrikes on Gaza’s largest refugee camp, marking a significant intensification of the ongoing conflict.
In a statement posted on Telegram, the Israeli military announced the start of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” describing it as part of a broader campaign aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. The military claimed to have struck over 150 targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours.
The offensive follows the resumption of Israel’s military operations on March 18, after a two-month truce in the conflict that began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack. The renewed violence has triggered global condemnation, with the United Nations and human rights organizations warning of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
UN Condemns Attacks, Warns of Ethnic Cleansing
UN human rights chief Volker Türk sharply criticized the recent airstrikes, stating that the combination of bombing and humanitarian blockades suggests an effort to forcibly alter Gaza’s demographics—calling it “tantamount to ethnic cleansing.”
Amid the escalating violence, international aid groups report severe shortages of essentials including food, fuel, water, and medicine. Pressure is mounting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ease the aid blockade.
Hostage Diplomacy and Political Fallout
The conflict continues to be shaped by the fate of hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack, which killed over 1,200 people in Israel. Of the 251 hostages seized, 57 are still held in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead.
The recent release of Edan Alexander—the last known American hostage—was secured with U.S. mediation, reportedly sidelining Israeli involvement. Hamas now demands U.S. pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid in exchange for further concessions.
Critics within Israel, including families of hostages, have accused Netanyahu of missing a diplomatic opportunity to secure more releases, instead choosing to escalate the conflict.
International Response
U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the worsening humanitarian crisis, stating: “A lot of people are starving” in Gaza, while pledging to address the situation. Notably, Trump’s regional diplomatic tour has excluded Israel.
On Saturday, the Arab League will convene in Baghdad to discuss the crisis, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expected to attend.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, 2,985 people have died since March 18, raising the total death toll in the territory to 53,119 since the war began.
