On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Israel began a major new ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, following a night of intense airstrikes that killed over 100 people, including children and women. This marks one of the deadliest escalations in the ongoing conflict, which has now lasted for more than 19 months.
What Happened?
The Israeli military announced the start of "extensive ground operations" across both northern and southern Gaza. These actions are part of what Israel calls "Operation Gideon's Chariots," a campaign aimed at weakening Hamas, the group that controls Gaza, and pressuring it to release hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks.
Overnight, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple areas, including tent camps where displaced families had sought shelter. Medical sources reported that at least 135 people were killed in a single morning, with dozens more injured. Among the dead were children, women, and even journalists. In the southern city of Khan Younis, a tent camp was hit, resulting in dozens of deaths and many tents catching fire.
Why Is This Happening?
Israel says the ground offensive is meant to achieve several goals:
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Pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
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Destroy Hamas’s military capabilities.
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Force Hamas to surrender or leave Gaza.
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Regain control over parts of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli officials argue that these actions are necessary for their security, especially after the October 2023 attacks, when Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 250 hostages.
The Human Impact
The cost for civilians has been severe. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 53,000 people have been killed since the war began, with many more injured. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and some have been forced to close due to the fighting. The Indonesian Hospital, the last public hospital in northern Gaza, was shut down after being surrounded by Israeli forces.
Food and water are running out. After nearly three months of blockade, Israel announced it would allow a "basic quantity" of food into Gaza to prevent famine, but aid agencies warn that this is not enough. Nearly half a million people are facing "catastrophic" hunger, and one million more are struggling to find enough to eat.
What About Peace Talks?
While the fighting continues, indirect ceasefire talks are taking place in Doha, Qatar. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are trying to broker a deal. Israel wants a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, while Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal and a permanent end to the war.
So far, there has been little progress. Both sides remain firm in their positions, and the violence on the ground makes compromise even harder.
Perspectives on the Crisis
For Israelis: Many see the offensive as necessary to protect their country and bring home the hostages. However, frustration is growing. Some Israelis are refusing military service, and protests are taking place, with people demanding a deal to end the war and free the hostages.
For Palestinians in Gaza: The situation is desperate. People have lost their homes, loved ones, and sense of safety. Hospitals are struggling, and children are among the victims. Many feel abandoned by the world and fear for their future.
For the International Community: There is increasing concern about the humanitarian crisis and the high number of civilian casualties. Aid organizations warn of famine, and some countries are urging both sides to agree to a ceasefire and allow more aid into Gaza.
Looking Ahead
The new Israeli ground offensive marks a turning point in the conflict. With more territory being seized and more people displaced, the humanitarian crisis is deepening. The world watches as negotiators try to find a path to peace, but for now, the violence continues, and ordinary people on both sides are paying the highest price.
The hope remains that a ceasefire can be reached soon, bringing relief to civilians and opening the door for a longer-term solution to the conflict. Until then, the people of Gaza and Israel face another uncertain and dangerous chapter in a war that has already cost far too much.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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