Credited from: NEWSWEEK
Israel has initiated a major ground offensive named "Operation Gideon's Chariots" in the Gaza Strip, aimed at dismantling Hamas and recovering hostages taken during previous attacks. The military's operations are extensive, involving strikes on over 670 targets, reportedly resulting in countless civilian casualties; Gaza health officials have reported at least 103 deaths, many of whom were women and children, due to the strikes on residential areas, including the devastated Jabaliya refugee camp, according to HuffPost and New York Times.
As airstrikes continue to cause widespread destruction, Israel and Hamas have resumed indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha without preconditions, following significant international pressure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has indicated a willingness to negotiate terms that may involve the release of hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, asserting that negotiations are ongoing even amid heavy military activity, according to Le Monde, Al Jazeera, and Los Angeles Times.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached critical levels, with ongoing blockades leading to severe food and medical shortages. Only essential supplies have been allowed in since the blockade was imposed, raising alarms among international organizations about the potential for famine. The UN reported increasing calls for humanitarian access and intervention to prevent what they describe as genocide, with Israel being urged to alleviate the humanitarian crisis resulting from its military actions, according to Dawn and The Jakarta Post.
In the backdrop of military operations, reports indicate a growing unrest among Israeli citizens regarding military service and increasing calls for peace. Israelis are increasingly displaying images of victims from Gaza at rallies, demanding action to secure the release of hostages and an end to hostilities. Public opinion appears to shift, reflecting a profound weariness over the ongoing conflict, as stated in reports by The New York Times and India Times.