Additional Coverage:
Gaza Ground Offensive Begins
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a major ground offensive into Gaza on Sunday, following a week of escalating airstrikes. Dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” the operation involves extensive ground operations across both northern and southern Gaza. The IDF claims to have hit over 670 Hamas targets, “eliminated” dozens of militants, and dismantled numerous terrorist infrastructure sites.
The death toll in Gaza has climbed sharply, with over 160 reported fatalities since Saturday, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Since the breakdown of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on March 18th, the Ministry reports over 3,131 Palestinians killed and more than 8,600 injured. Conditions on the ground are deteriorating rapidly, with increased bombardments severely limiting access to emergency care.
Speaking at the Arab League summit, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed grave alarm at Israel’s expanded ground operations, renewing his plea for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. He condemned the situation in Gaza as “beyond description, beyond atrocious & beyond inhumane.”
The Israeli security cabinet authorized Operation Gideon’s Chariots on May 5th. Described as a “broad attack,” the operation involves the displacement of a significant portion of Gaza’s population. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Israeli forces intend to maintain a presence in Gaza after the operation concludes.