The Israeli military announced on Sunday, May 18, the launch of a large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip on both northern and southern fronts, named “Operation Gideon’s Armored,” as new ceasefire negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. are underway.
According to Israeli forces, the operations are part of a strategic pressure campaign against Hamas, while Palestinian authorities reported that all public hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip have been shut down. Hamas’ Health Ministry claimed that the Indonesian Hospital is under siege and heavy fire, blocking access to medical staff and patients.
Meanwhile, new Israeli airstrikes overnight reportedly killed at least 100 Palestinians. Gaza authorities accuse Israel of maintaining a blockade since early March, preventing the entry of food, medicine, and fuel.
Israel is reportedly seeking the release of Israeli hostages as a precondition for a possible ceasefire, while Hamas states it may release hostages in exchange for an end to military operations.
No progress in talks
Sources close to the talks told Reuters that the latest indirect negotiations in Egypt have made no substantial progress. Although the U.S. supports the process, it remains unclear if an agreement will be reached soon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is open to a deal that would include halting military operations on the condition of Hamas’ “expulsion” and the “disarmament” of the Gaza Strip.
464 Palestinians killed in one week
According to Hamas’ Health Ministry, at least 464 Palestinians were killed and 1,418 injured between May 11 and 17. The total death toll since October 7, 2023, reportedly exceeds 53,000.
Israel’s Prime Minister noted that military operations continue with the goal of “completing the mission and eliminating the threat of Hamas.”
