Gaza City – In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel has initiated an extensive ground operation in Gaza, accompanied by relentless airstrikes that have reportedly killed over 100 people overnight, according to health officials in the region. The intense military action has also forced the closure of the last operational hospital in northern Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The ground operation, targeting both northern and southern Gaza, unfolds against a backdrop of international efforts to broker a ceasefire. Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas commenced in Doha, Qatar, with both sides seemingly presenting conditions for de-escalation.
While there were initial reports of Hamas agreeing to release a small group of hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners, a senior Hamas leader quickly refuted these claims, insisting on a complete cessation of hostilities under international guarantees for any prisoner release.
The Israeli military maintains that its new campaign, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots,” is aimed at compelling Hamas to return to the negotiating table and achieve the war’s objectives, including hostage release and the dismantling of Hamas. In a related development, Israel has agreed to allow a limited amount of food into Gaza to avert a potential hunger crisis.
However, analysts suggest that the renewed talks may be linked to recent diplomatic efforts, including a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Doha. Trump has expressed his desire to end the “brutal war” in Gaza.
The situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, with the UN and aid organizations raising grave concerns about the impact of the offensive on civilians. Reports indicate that entire families have been killed in the strikes, and the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties, facing shortages of supplies and damage to essential infrastructure.
Prior to Israel’s announcement regarding food aid, the UN warned of a looming famine in Gaza, affecting over 2.1 million people. The distribution of aid remains a contentious issue, with concerns raised about its effectiveness and potential impact on displacement patterns.
Amidst the escalating violence, voices of despair are emerging from Gaza, with residents expressing a sense of abandonment by the international community. Despite the efforts to prevent harm to the remaining hostages, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has criticized the operation, warning that it could endanger those still held captive. The coming days will be critical as diplomatic efforts intensify and the humanitarian situation in Gaza reaches a breaking point.
