Israel launched a major military offensive in the Gaza Strip on Friday, marking the start of what Israeli officials described as a campaign to seize full control of the territory. The offensive, named Operation Gideon’s Chariot, is being conducted by air, sea, and ground forces.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation is underway, stating its goals include the destruction of Hamas as a political and military organization, the release of 59 people still held by Hamas, and the transition of humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza from international organizations to Israeli control.
The launch of the offensive follows the mobilization of 60,000 Israeli reservists two weeks ago and the approval of the operation by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet. Reports had indicated Israel was waiting for U.S. President Donald Trump to conclude his Middle East trip before beginning the campaign. The timing of the operation's launch—on the same day Trump concluded his visit—appears to confirm those reports.
The name Operation Gideon’s Chariot evokes historical parallels with Operation Gideon in 1948, a military campaign that contributed to the removal of over 750,000 Palestinians during the Arab-Israeli War, an event that is referred to as the Nakba. Notably, over 70% of Gaza’s population today consists of refugees or descendants of those displaced in 1948.
Initial reports from Gaza indicate heavy bombardments across the territory. At least 100 people have been confirmed killed so far. Israeli tanks have also entered northern Gaza, additionally, artillery has been striking central areas, and helicopter assaults have been reported in Khan Younis.
In addition to military objectives, the Israeli government has signaled an intention to permanently hold captured areas of Gaza. Over the past 18 months, Israeli forces have repeatedly entered and withdrawn from the same zones.
One of the most troubling aspects of the operation is the planned displacement of northern Gaza’s population to a small enclave in the south, near the City of Rafah.
Israeli officials have previously floated proposals for "humanitarian corridors" to allow Palestinians to exit Gaza via Israeli territory and travel to third countries. The Israeli government has publicly urged European nations to accept Palestinian refugees.
On Friday, reports also surfaced that the Trump administration is in active discussions with Libya to relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza. The U.S. reportedly offered to release frozen Libyan assets in exchange for cooperation, further indicating that Washington remains open to facilitating large-scale population transfers—despite strong objections from Arab leaders.