Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive as Ceasefire Hopes Fade
Gaza City – Tensions in the Gaza Strip have reached a boiling point as the Israeli military initiated an extensive ground operation Sunday, accompanied by relentless airstrikes that have reportedly claimed over 100 lives overnight, according to local health officials. The intensifying military action has also resulted in the closure of the last operational hospital in northern Gaza, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis.
The ground offensive, named "Gideon's Chariots," a biblical reference, is underway in both northern and southern Gaza. The IDF said that this operation aims to increase operational control, segment the territory, and move the population for their protection.
These developments unfold as international mediators struggle to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Indirect negotiations resumed in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, but optimism remains guarded. While Hamas officials initially signaled a willingness to negotiate without preconditions, an Israeli source stated that discussions about ending the war would only be entertained if Hamas surrenders—a proposition deemed unlikely by many.
Amidst conflicting reports, a senior Hamas leader initially suggested a potential agreement to release seven to nine Israeli hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners. However, another Hamas leader swiftly refuted this proposal, asserting that no such agreement exists. He stated that Hamas is prepared to release all prisoners at once, contingent upon Israel's commitment to a complete cessation of hostilities under international guarantees.
The Israeli military claims that the intensified military campaign has compelled Hamas to return to the negotiating table. Citing "operational needs," the Prime Minister's Office announced that a "basic amount of food" would be permitted into Gaza to avert a hunger crisis that could potentially jeopardize the operation.
US involvement has been a key factor. Analysts suggest that Hamas's agreement to restart talks followed a visit from US President Donald Trump to Doha. An official with knowledge of the talks revealed that the US, Qatar, and Egypt are making renewed efforts to reach a new ceasefire agreement.
Trump's recent Middle East trip, which notably bypassed Israel, included discussions with regional militant groups. This month, Hamas released an American hostage, and the Houthis pledged to halt attacks on American ships in the Red Sea.
The UN and aid organizations are sounding the alarm about the devastating impact of Israel's offensive on Gaza's civilian population. Over 300 people have been killed and over 1,000 injured in recent airstrikes. Entire families have been reported killed while sleeping in their homes.
Gaza's healthcare system is teetering on the brink of collapse. Strikes near hospitals, including the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, have forced medical facilities to shut down. Al-Awda hospital is facing severe damage to essential systems and a shortage of supplies.
The UN warns that the entire population of Gaza, over 2.1 million people, is at risk of famine due to the ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and Israel's restrictions on aid.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk has condemned the renewed bombing campaign as potentially amounting to "ethnic cleansing." The health ministry reports that over 53,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation on the ground remains bleak. Omar Qandil, who lost family members in a recent airstrike, lamented the world's seeming indifference to their suffering.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has criticized the Israeli operation, arguing that it endangers the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
As the conflict intensifies and ceasefire talks remain uncertain, the people of Gaza continue to bear the brunt of the violence.