As of May 19th 2025, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified military operations in Gaza Strip as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, with five divisions deployed under Operation Gideon’s Chariots to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and secure hostages release. This represents a dramatic expansion in ongoing conflict against Hamas.
Brigadier General Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), recently announced that they have entered a new stage of combat operations by increasing and deepening their presence in Gaza, with plans to divide up territory into sections and relocate population into designated safe areas in order to increase operational control and eliminate Hamas capabilities. She told Uniindia +4 that it may take 2-3 months before all sections have been divided up according to plan – This strategy also involves moving population from certain sections to designated safe areas in order to increase operational control and eliminate Hamas capabilities altogether – without effecting disruption from Hamas or anything similar happening anywhere else – unlike in Israel itself! TASS +4
+2 The five divisions are conducting simultaneous offensives in both northern and southern Gaza, targeting Hamas’ weapons, tunnels, and command centers. According to IDF reports, over 670 targets belonging to Hamas have been hit over the past week alone, leading to the deaths of numerous militants – as reported in both Jerusalem Post +1 (Wall Street Journal) and Sun +1.
However, Israel’s intensified military campaign has caused significant civilian casualties. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 100 Palestinians — women and children alike — have been killed due to Israeli airstrikes over the last 24 hours alone; total death toll since October 2023 now exceeds 53,000.
The Washington Post
Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to worsen, with public hospitals in northern Gaza becoming inoperable as a result of bombardments; and World Food Programme warning of an impending famine due to Israel’s blockade which has been in place since March.
Due to international pressure, Israel announced it will allow limited food and medical supplies into Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this measure is intended to prevent starvation crises that might erode military objectives.
Negotiations over a ceasefire remain deadlocked between Israel and Hamas leaders; while Hamas demands their disarmament and exile. While ongoing talks facilitated by Qatar and Egypt have yet to result in an agreement.
As the conflict escalates, international observers remain deeply alarmed at its increasing violence and its devastating impact on civilians. Both the UN and humanitarian organizations have called for immediate measures to protect civilians while guaranteeing vital aid delivery.
The deployment of five IDF divisions into Gaza represents one of the largest Israeli military operations ever carried out on its soil in recent memory. While prospects for peaceful resolution remain bleak and humanitarian crises worsen in Gaza.