Overview
On May 4, 2025, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a full-scale military operation named Operation Gideon’s Chariots. The campaign is aimed at expanding Israeli military activity throughout the Gaza Strip, marking a major escalation following the collapse of a mid-March ceasefire.
Strategic Objectives
The key goals of the operation are to:
- Seize control of all Gaza ground territory controlled by Hamas.
- Destroy Hamas’s military and governmental infrastructure.
- Rescue all Israeli hostages held within Gaza.
The operation is expected to take several months and will involve coordinated air, ground, and naval efforts. The Israeli military has opened the Morag Corridor to establish a secure buffer zone in the southern Gaza Strip for logistical and operational efficiency.
Military Mobilization
In preparation, Israel deployed tens of thousands of reservists. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir confirmed a renewed emphasis on ground operations and the use of advanced combat strategies to subdue Hamas’s hold on the region.
Humanitarian Concerns
As of May 14, 2025, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in between 40 and 80 Palestinian deaths, including at least 22 children, according to reports. The Gaza Health Ministry noted that 90% of the population is suffering from severe water insecurity.
International leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron, have called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law and cease attacks that may target civilians indiscriminately.
International Reactions
The escalation has triggered a wide array of international responses. While some countries affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, others condemned the scale of the campaign and its toll on civilians in Gaza.
The United Nations and leading human rights organizations have renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Outlook
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of Operation Gideon’s Chariots. The campaign’s success depends on multiple factors, including Hamas’s resistance, global diplomatic pressures, and the response to the mounting humanitarian crisis. As the conflict continues to escalate, the path toward any long-term resolution remains uncertain.
