What's happened
Israel's government has approved an intensified military operation in Gaza, involving the displacement of most residents and a sustained military presence. International condemnation has followed, with calls for humanitarian aid as the humanitarian crisis deepens amid ongoing conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Military Strategy: Israel's new operation, dubbed 'Operation Gideon’s Chariots', aims to conquer and hold Gaza, with plans to displace most of its 2.3 million residents.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The blockade has led to severe food shortages, with reports of civilians facing starvation. Humanitarian organizations warn of impending famine.
- International Response: France and China have condemned Israel's actions, labeling them as violations of humanitarian law. Calls for a ceasefire have intensified, but talks remain stalled.
- Political Implications: The Israeli government appears to be leveraging military action to consolidate support within its coalition, while Hamas has rejected further ceasefire discussions, framing the situation as a 'hunger war'.
Forecast:
The situation is likely to worsen as military operations escalate, leading to increased civilian casualties and further international condemnation. The humanitarian crisis will likely deepen unless significant aid is allowed into Gaza, which remains heavily restricted.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, stated, "There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip." This sentiment reflects the broader frustration with the stalled ceasefire negotiations following Israel's military escalation.
Al Jazeera highlights the dire humanitarian conditions, noting that food supplies in Gaza have "completely run out" in local markets, with many families struggling to find sustenance. The International Committee of the Red Cross has echoed these concerns, emphasizing Israel's obligation under international law to meet the basic needs of civilians.
The Times of Israel reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that military operations will continue until all objectives are met, further complicating the prospect of peace talks. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has called Israel's plans "unacceptable," emphasizing the violation of humanitarian law, while the UN Secretary-General has expressed alarm over the potential for increased civilian casualties.
These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complexity of the situation, with humanitarian concerns clashing against military objectives and political maneuvering.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. Israel's military response has led to a total blockade of Gaza since March 2, 2025, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Go deeper
- What are the humanitarian conditions like in Gaza right now?
- How has the international community responded to Israel's actions?
- What are the implications of the military operation for civilians?
Common question
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Why Did Hamas Reject the Truce with Israel?
The ongoing Gaza crisis has raised numerous questions about the conflict, particularly regarding Hamas's recent rejection of a truce with Israel. This decision has significant implications for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the international response. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this complex issue.
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What is Israel's Planned Military Operation in Gaza and Global Reactions?
Israel's recent decision to intensify military operations in Gaza has sparked widespread international reactions and raised significant humanitarian concerns. As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering about the implications of these actions and the historical context behind the conflict. Below are some common questions and answers that shed light on this complex issue.
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