Israel announces ‘extensive’ ground operations throughout north and south of Gaza

Israeli troops have begun a new ground operation in Gaza as part of its Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on X that an ‘extensive’ ground operation was underway in northern and southern Gaza this afternoon.

The renewed offensive follows a night of Israeli strikes on the Palestinian territory overnight, which the Hamas-run health ministry said killed over 130 people.

Israel has ramped up its war against Hamas as they look to seize territory and take greater control over the distribution of aid.

Search and rescue teams work under the rubbles today after the Israeli army attacked a building at the Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza Strip (Picture: Abdalhkem Abu Riash/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The fighting is taking place alongside renewed peace negotiations in Qatar, which include discussions to agree a new hostage deal.

Plans to relocate a million Palestinians to Libya have also been leaked.

The idea had been discussed with Libya’s leadership and is being seriously considered, White House sources told NBC News.

In return the Trump Administration would provide billions of dollars worth of funding.

Israel said troops ‘are currently being deployed in key positions within Gaza’ as part of its new ground offensive.

‘The IDF will continue to operate against the terrorist organizations in Gaza as required, in order to defend Israeli civilians,’ the force added on X.

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike near tents in Gaza City earlier this week (Picture: EPA)

They said their military had conducted strikes against 670 Hamas targets over the past week in preparation for the ground attacks.

Palestinian health authorities say hundreds of people have been killed, including many women and children.

Israeli tanks were spotted earlier today in a forward staging position along the border with Gaza.

What is Gideon’s Chariot

Israel has labelled its renewed military activity in the Gaza strip ‘Gideon’s Chariot’.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his forces would remain in every area they captured as part of plans to eliminate Hamas and rescue all remaining hostages.

The operation’s name is itself revealing of the IDF’s aim.

According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Gideon is a biblical figure who was a ‘hero-liberator’ of Israel.

In one biblical account, Gideon led an Israeli clan in slaying a rival tribe called the Midianites, who had been oppressing Israel.

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