Tensions in the Middle East escalated further on Saturday following Israel’s launch of what it described as “extensive strikes” across the Gaza Strip, a move that has already resulted in the deaths of at least 100 Palestinians, according to local rescue officials. The fresh wave of violence marks a significant intensification of the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas.
In a statement released via Telegram, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the commencement of a new phase in the prolonged conflict, codenamed Operation Gideon’s Chariots. According to the military, the operation signifies the expansion of Israel’s campaign to achieve its core war objectives, which include the dismantling of Hamas and the recovery of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
The military also stated in an English-language release that troops were being deployed across strategic zones in the coastal enclave to establish “operational control” over specific territories. Within a 24-hour period, Israeli forces claimed to have targeted over 150 locations within the densely populated Palestinian territory.
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that the intensified bombardment on Friday alone claimed around 100 lives, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. The renewed strikes come after Israel resumed its military campaign on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. That truce had momentarily paused hostilities triggered by the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led surprise incursion into Israeli territory, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths—mostly civilians—and the abduction of 251 people.
As of now, 57 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 confirmed dead, according to Israeli authorities.
The renewed assault has drawn widespread international criticism. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned the continued air raids and the strict blockade on humanitarian supplies. In a strongly worded statement, he suggested that the ongoing attacks and the restriction of aid could indicate a strategic attempt to permanently displace Palestinians from their homeland—an action he described as a violation of international law and akin to ethnic cleansing.
Pressure is also mounting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both from within and outside the country. Families of Israeli hostages have accused the government of missing a key opportunity to negotiate their release through diplomatic means, accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing military action over potential peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, Hamas officials have called on the United States to intensify pressure on Israel to lift the ongoing blockade on Gaza. The plea follows the recent release of Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage held in the enclave, reportedly secured through backchannel negotiations involving the U.S. and excluding Israel. Senior Hamas figure, Taher al-Nunu, said the group expects the Biden administration to follow up with urgent action to open border crossings and facilitate the entry of desperately needed humanitarian supplies.
Since Israel reinitiated its offensive in March, the Gaza health ministry has reported a staggering death toll of 2,985, bringing the total number of casualties in the strip since the conflict began to over 53,000. Aid organizations have consistently warned of severe shortages in food, potable water, fuel, and medical supplies, painting a bleak picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the besieged territory.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, while on a regional tour in the Gulf, also acknowledged the deteriorating situation, stating on Friday that “a lot of people are starving” in Gaza and promising to address the issue, though his itinerary notably excluded Israel.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, regional leaders are converging in Baghdad for an emergency Arab League summit scheduled for Saturday. The meeting, expected to focus heavily on the Gaza crisis, will be attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s military campaign.
The conflict, now stretching into its eighth month, shows no signs of abating, with devastating consequences for civilians and increasing calls for global intervention to halt further bloodshed and enforce compliance with international humanitarian laws.
