Israel launches new Gaza offensive amid soaring civilian death toll and worsening humanitarian crisis

The Israeli military has launched a new phase of its war in Gaza, announcing “extensive strikes” across the besieged territory on Saturday under the banner of Operation Gideon’s Chariots. 

The campaign is aimed at achieving “operational control” over parts of Gaza and fulfilling wartime objectives, including defeating Hamas and securing the release of Israeli hostages.

The renewed offensive follows a devastating 24-hour period in which at least 100 Palestinians were reported killed, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The Israeli army said it struck over 150 targets during that time.

The operation marks a significant escalation after Israel resumed military operations on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since then, 2,985 people have been killed, pushing the total death toll in Gaza to 53,119, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

International Outcry and Accusations of 'Ethnic Cleansing'

The United Nations’ human rights chief, Volker Turk, strongly condemned the renewed bombing campaign, suggesting that Israel’s actions may constitute “ethnic cleansing” due to the continued denial of aid and alleged intent to permanently displace Gaza’s population.

“This latest barrage of bombs and the denial of humanitarian assistance underline that there appears to be a push for a permanent demographic shift in Gaza,” Turk said.

NGOs and aid groups warn of a deepening humanitarian crisis as Israel’s blockade on fuel, food, water, and medicine tightens. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking during a regional tour in Abu Dhabi, acknowledged the situation, saying, “a lot of people are starving,” and pledged that the U.S. would take action to address the crisis.

Hostage Crisis and Political Pressure

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing domestic and international pressure to ease the blockade and prioritize hostage negotiations. A prominent Israeli group representing the families of those still held in Gaza criticized the renewed offensive, accusing Netanyahu of squandering a “historic opportunity” for a diplomatic resolution.

On Friday, Hamas called on the U.S. to pressure Israel to open aid crossings, citing recent cooperation in the release of Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. citizen held hostage. The release reportedly involved direct negotiations with the Trump administration, sidelining Israel.

Summit in Baghdad

The Arab League is holding an emergency summit in Baghdad on Saturday, with Gaza topping the agenda. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign, are expected to participate.

Background

The current war began with a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,218 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Hamas also took 251 hostages, 57 of whom remain in Gaza, with 34 believed dead, according to Israeli sources.