What is Israel’s new major ground offensive, Operation Gideon’s Chariots?

Source: Aljazeera

Date: May 20, 2025

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Israeli military launches a ground offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip as ceasefire talks are held in Doha.

Israel’s military has launched an intense ground offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The offensive comes on the back of a more than two-month total blockade on Gaza after Israel decided to unilaterally end a ceasefire with Hamas in March.

Israel has come under increasing international pressure, including from its staunch allies in the United States government, to agree to a ceasefire and allow aid into Gaza.

Meanwhile, Hamas and Israeli negotiators are in Doha for new indirect talks.

Here’s everything you need to know about Israel’s latest ground assault:

Click this image to open the link to the video report.

What is Operation Gideon’s Chariots, and why did it begin now?

Operation Gideon’s Chariots is a major ground offensive launched by Israel on the Gaza Strip that comes after air attacks killed hundreds of Palestinians in recent days and further debilitated Gaza’s healthcare network. With the backing of Israel’s lethal air force, the operation is targeting both southern and northern Gaza.

The assault began as the second day of ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas ended on Saturday in Doha. Israel tends to intensify operations and attacks during such negotiations. It said this latest offensive is exerting “tremendous pressure” on Hamas.