OVERNIGHT ISRAEL: IDF Escalates Gaza War, Thousands Deployed as Hamas Strongholds Targeted

Israel Expands Ground Offensive in Gaza

On Day 597 of the Gaza War, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched their most extensive ground and air campaign yet. Dozens of airstrikes struck Hamas targets across Gaza, including Khan Younis, Jabalia, and other strongholds. Palestinian reports indicate at least nine fatalities in the latest wave of attacks. Though the IDF has not released an official statement, the message is unmistakable: every operational brigade—from Golani and Givati to Nahal and the 401st Armored Division—is now inside the Gaza Strip.

Tens of thousands of soldiers, supported by reservists, have mobilized in a clear signal of Israel’s resolve to dismantle Hamas once and for all.

Why Now? The Collapse of Hamas Leadership

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Hamas is nearing total collapse. The group is facing financial ruin, diminishing manpower, and public dissatisfaction from within Gaza. Salaries go unpaid. Governance has disintegrated. With hostage negotiations stalled, Israel sees no alternative but to intensify military pressure.

Operation Gideon’s Chariots: What We Know

This new phase, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, has seen over 670 Hamas targets struck in just one week. Israeli Air Force precision strikes have hit terror tunnels, weapons caches, and anti-tank sites. Ground forces in Daraj Tuffah neutralized rocket launchers and terrorist cells, while command centers embedded in civilian areas—including near the European Hospital in Khan Younis—were also targeted.

Human Cost and Controversy

Palestinian sources claim over 50,500 fatalities since October 2023, including 16,503 children, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. These figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians, fueling international accusations of disproportionate force. Israel maintains Hamas embeds itself in civilian infrastructure, making urban warfare tragically complex. The IDF insists it issues warnings to evacuate combat zones and targets only militant activity.

Global Criticism Mounts

The Washington Post reported the closure of Kamal Adwan, Gaza's last northern hospital, amid IDF operations. Israel counters that Hamas uses such sites as military hubs, pointing to verified intelligence of terrorist activity within hospitals and schools.

Israel’s position remains clear: Hamas initiated this war on October 7, 2023. It can end it by releasing hostages and surrendering.

Houthi Missiles: Yemen Joins the Fight

The conflict has expanded. In the past week alone, the Iran-backed Houthis launched three ballistic missiles at Israeli targets—including Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. The Arrow 3 defense system intercepted the latest projectile. Though no injuries were reported, debris fell in the South Hebron Hills.

Since Israel resumed its Gaza operations on March 18, the Houthis have fired 39 missiles and over 10 drones. One struck near Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, injuring six and grounding flights.

Iran’s Regional Playbook

Yemen has become a critical front in Iran’s proxy war. Iranian commanders and Hezbollah militants now reportedly operate from Yemen, coordinating missile and drone attacks on Israel. Over 60 commercial vessels in the Red Sea have been targeted since October 2023, forcing global shipping companies to reroute via Africa.

Israel Strikes Back in Yemen

In response, Israel has bombed Houthi-controlled ports, including a May 6 operation in which 15 fighter jets dropped 35 munitions on key infrastructure. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Netanyahu have vowed to eliminate Houthi leadership, warning Iran of possible retaliation.

Internal Fractures in the IDF

Not all battles are external. In northern Gaza, a soldier from the Nahal Brigade’s 931st Battalion reportedly assaulted a fellow servicemember with a kettle, causing serious injury. The assailant has been removed from combat duties, and a Military Police investigation is underway.

The IDF faces enormous psychological strain. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, over 10,000 Israeli soldiers have been killed or injured since the war began, with 1,000 new cases of physical or psychological trauma each month. Maintaining internal cohesion is crucial for mission success.

Legal Front Opens: Peru Launches War Crimes Probe

A new threat has emerged: lawfare. Peru is investigating an Israeli combat engineer for alleged war crimes, based on social media claims promoted by the Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation. The group, named after a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, has pushed similar campaigns in Belgium and the Netherlands, accusing Israeli soldiers of genocide.

Israel's Foreign Ministry has condemned the probe as a politically motivated attack on national sovereignty. Citing Hamas’s use of human shields, the IDF maintains it operates within the bounds of international law.

Bright Spot: Sylvan Adams Recognized for Philanthropy

Amid the chaos, Canadian-Israeli philanthropist Sylvan Adams stands as a beacon of Jewish resilience. Recently named to TIME100’s Philanthropy List, Adams has donated more than $100 million annually to Israeli institutions. His recent $100 million gift to Ben-Gurion University marks one of the largest in Israeli history.

Adams has also championed Israeli culture globally, sponsoring the Giro d’Italia’s start in Jerusalem, building hospitals, and launching youth sports academies. As president of the World Jewish Congress’ Israel region, Adams represents tikkun olam in action.

So…What do you think? Interesting? Maybe…It does feel like more of the same. Let us know on a scale from 1-10 where today’s news falls on the interesting scale.

We’ll be keeping you updated with everything you need to know.

Catch you next time ;)