Illustrative image. (The Israeli Defense Forces)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced late on May 16 that it had launched the first stages of a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip, codenamed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots”.
“In the past day the IDF has launched extensive attacks and mobilized forces to seize strategic areas in the Gaza Strip, as part of the opening moves of Operation Gideon’s Chariots and the expansion of the campaign in Gaza, to achieve all the goals of the war in Gaza, including the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas,” the military said in a statement.
“IDF troops in the Southern Command will continue to operate to protect Israeli citizens and realize the goals of the war,” it added.
The IDF began preparing for Operation Gideon’s Chariots earlier this month. Thousands of reservists were called up and elite formations were deployed to Gaza from other fronts.
Israeli officials said that the large-scale offensive would see the IDF “conquer” Gaza and retain the territory, attack Hamas, prevent the group from taking control of humanitarian aid supplies, and move Palestinians from the Strip’s north to its south.
Palestinian media reported on May 17 that Israeli troops were advancing in the area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza amid heavy shelling.
In addition, Israeli strikes targeted the areas of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, and Jabalia, in the northern part of the Strip.
More than 300 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza over the last three days, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Despite the Israeli escalation, the New Arab reported on May 17 that a two-month ceasefire was being discussed in Qatar. A senior Hamas official told the London-based news outlet that there will be clear involvement from the United States that the agreement will be implemented.
Meanwhile, an Israeli official told Channel 12 news that the talks in Qatar were “serious,” but that “Hamas needs to understand that they must agree to the Witkoff framework, and if not, the ground offensive will begin soon” in Gaza.
In March, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff proposed another temporary ceasefire of some 40 days, in exchange for the release of about half of the remaining living hostages, and Israel showed openness to such an agreement. It’s worth noting that 58 hostages are still being held in Gaza, including at least 23 who are believed to be still alive.
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