Sat May 17 03:41:51 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Israel has launched “Operation Gideon Chariots,” a major military operation in Gaza aimed at pressuring Hamas to release remaining hostages. The operation follows days of intensive strikes that have killed hundreds. Prime Minister Netanyahu vows to escalate pressure to dismantle Hamas. This occurs amidst a breakdown in negotiations and increasing international condemnation of Israel’s aid blockade, with warnings of a humanitarian crisis and accusations of ethnic cleansing. Trump concluded his trip to the region without visiting Israel and pressure is mounting on the US to intercede. Hamas has demanded that the United States pressure Israel to lift the aid blockade in return for a U.S.-Israeli hostage released by the group. The Arab League is meeting to discuss the crisis.

**News Article:**

**Israel Launches Major Gaza Operation Amid International Condemnation**

**Jerusalem – May 17, 2025** – The Israeli military has initiated “Operation Gideon Chariots” in the Gaza Strip, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Saturday. The operation is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release remaining hostages seized during the October 2023 attack that triggered the war.

The escalation follows days of intensive strikes across Gaza, reportedly resulting in the deaths of hundreds. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to intensify pressure on Hamas, aiming to dismantle the group that has controlled Gaza for nearly two decades.

The offensive comes at a sensitive time, as U.S. President Donald Trump recently concluded a regional tour without visiting Israel. Hopes were high that Trump’s involvement could lead to a ceasefire or the resumption of humanitarian aid, which has been blocked by Israel for over two months.

Negotiations mediated by Qatar have stalled, with Hamas demanding an end to the three-year war as part of any hostage release deal – a condition Israel has rejected. The Israeli army has stated it is intensifying attacks, asserting it will not cease operations until all hostages are returned and Hamas is dismantled.

The renewed military offensive, which began on March 18, has drawn widespread international condemnation. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk denounced the attacks and the aid blockade, suggesting an apparent push for a permanent demographic shift in Gaza that he equated to ethnic cleansing.

A prominent Israeli campaign group representing hostage families has criticized Netanyahu’s approach, arguing that the continued fighting jeopardizes the possibility of a diplomatic resolution.

Adding to the pressure, Hamas is urging the United States to press Israel to lift the aid blockade in exchange for the release of a U.S.-Israeli hostage. President Trump acknowledged the dire situation in Gaza, stating, “a lot of people are starving” and promising to address the issue.

The Arab League is scheduled to meet in Baghdad to discuss regional crises, with Gaza expected to be a central focus. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a vocal critic of Israel’s actions, are also expected to participate.

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