Israel launches major offensive in Gaza amid hostage crisis

Israel has launched a major new offensive in Gaza, following airstrikes that killed over 100 people, as part of an effort to pressure Hamas to release hostages. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Operation Gideon’s Chariots, aiming to seize strategic areas in Gaza and fulfill the war’s goals. This comes after US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region, where he acknowledged the dire hu

Israel has launched a major new offensive in Gaza, following airstrikes that killed over 100 people, as part of an effort to pressure Hamas to release hostages. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Operation Gideon’s Chariots, aiming to seize strategic areas in Gaza and fulfill the war’s goals. This comes after US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region, where he acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In the latest violence, at least 108 people were killed in Gaza on Friday, with the death toll rising to 250-300 in recent days. The Israeli military claims it has targeted over 150 "terror" sites. Israel’s blockade and airstrikes, since mid-March, are said to pressure Hamas to free the remaining 57 hostages taken in the October 2023 attack.

Trump’s visit raised hopes for a ceasefire or aid, but the violence escalated. Trump proposed turning Gaza into a "freedom zone," but discussions have stalled. Meanwhile, aid agencies criticize a US-backed plan to deliver aid via Israeli-controlled hubs, citing safety concerns.

The Israeli government is under increasing pressure for a ceasefire, with polls showing support for such a move to secure hostage releases. However, the situation remains tense, with ongoing missile launches from the Yemen-based Houthi militia and Israel striking Houthi military sites.