The Israeli military has announced the official end of “Operation Gideon’s Chariot,” a major offensive launched in the Gaza Strip that failed to achieve its primary military and political objectives.
On Thursday, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would shift from offensive operations to a reduced military presence in Gaza. He also confirmed the withdrawal of the 98th Paratroopers Division from the territory.
The operation, which began on May 16, had been envisioned as a decisive campaign designed to establish full Israeli control over Gaza, dismantle Palestinian resistance groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and force the relocation of the entire population of Gaza southward toward Rafah. At its height, the offensive involved the deployment of all regular Israeli military brigades.
Despite the scale of the campaign, the Israeli military claims to have established full operational control over only 65% of Gaza. This assertion is challenged by recently released footage showing Hamas fighters operating in areas where Israeli forces are said to be concentrated.
Israeli media reports indicate that the decision to wind down the operation was driven in part by its high operational costs and the continued resistance attacks faced by the IDF. Hagari’s statement did not address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where increasing numbers of Palestinians are reportedly dying from hunger. Additionally, hundreds have been killed at aid distribution sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). A former employee of the organization, ex-U.S. soldier Anthony Auguilar, has publicly alleged that the Israeli military is the foundation’s client and described dire conditions on the ground, including civilian deaths caused by IDF actions at aid sites.
International condemnation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to grow, but a diplomatic resolution remains elusive. The United States withdrew from ongoing negotiations last week, and President Donald Trump has signaled his support for continued Israeli military operations—despite acknowledging the worsening famine in the enclave.