The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced a new bombing campaign in Gaza aimed at defeating Hamas. The offensive comes after a ceasefire brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar expired in March.
“Over the past day, the IDF launched extensive attacks and mobilized forces to seize strategic areas in the Gaza Strip, as part of the opening moves of Operation Gideon’s Chariots and the expansion of the campaign in Gaza,” the military said in a statement on Friday evening.
The IDF reiterated its goals of securing the release of the remaining hostages and achieving “the defeat of Hamas.”
“IDF troops in the Southern Command will continue to operate to protect Israeli citizens and realize the goals of the war,” the Israeli army added.
According to the Times of Israel, the IDF aims to “conquer” Gaza, relocate the Palestinian population to the southern part of the enclave, and prevent “terror groups” from seizing humanitarian aid.
Al Jazeera reports that at least 115 Palestinians have been killed since dawn on Friday.
במהלך היממה האחרונה צה"ל החל בתקיפות נרחבות והניע כוחות לתפיסת שטחים שולטים בשטח רצועת עזה, זאת כחלק ממהלכי הפתיחה למבצע "מרכבות גדעון" והרחבת המערכה בעזה, להשגת כל מטרות המלחמה בעזה, לרבות שחרור החטופים והכרעת החמאס.
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) May 16, 2025
כוחות צה"ל בפיקוד הדרום ימשיכו לפעול בכדי להגן על אזרחי ישראל… pic.twitter.com/WtK8Iy6XyG
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas broke down in March after the sides failed to agree on implementing the second phase of the truce.
Israel declared war on Hamas following a surprise attack by Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in over 200 hostages being taken. More than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, and human rights organizations have accused Israel of genocide.