Israel's military has launched a major offensive in Gaza, dubbed "Operation Gideon's Chariots," aiming to defeat Hamas and secure the release of remaining hostages.

The operation involves seizing strategic areas of the Gaza Strip and has resulted in significant casualties, with over 250 people killed since Thursday, according to Hamas-run civil defense and health ministry officials.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has mobilized troops and struck over 150 "terror targets" in the past 24 hours.

The operation's goals include:
Defeating Hamas: dismantling the group's military capabilities and governance structures
Securing Hostages: releasing the remaining 57 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack.

The operation has drawn international concern, with the UN Human Rights Chief warning that Israel's actions could be considered a breach of international law, potentially amounting to ethnic cleansing. The US has expressed concern over the situation.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with:
Malnutrition and Starvation: a UN-backed assessment found Gaza's population at "critical risk" of famine, with reports of children suffering from malnutrition and related health issues.

Civilian Casualties: the ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement
The Israeli government maintains its military campaign is aimed at destroying Hamas, while international pressure mounts to resume ceasefire talks and end the blockade.