IDF Launches Ground Preparations for 'Operation Gideon’s Chariots' in the Gaza strip

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the start of territorial seizures in the Gaza Strip on Friday as part of the early stages of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” a major military campaign aimed at intensifying pressure on Hamas and expanding ground operations in the region.

In what military sources describe as preparation for the operation, the past 48 hours have seen extensive airstrikes across northern Gaza, with hundreds of Palestinians reportedly killed. According to Palestinian medical sources and the Hamas-run Health Ministry, death tolls have surged throughout the week: approximately 70 people were killed on Wednesday, at least 120 on Thursday, and over 100 reported dead on Friday alone.

Civilian Evacuations Underway

As part of the campaign, the IDF has begun distributing leaflets in several neighborhoods in northern Gaza, warning residents to evacuate immediately to the south. The notices state: "You are in an area where your stay is not safe, evacuate immediately to the south."

Military officials say the evacuations are essential to minimize civilian casualties as ground operations expand. Concurrently, humanitarian aid distribution centers are being prepared in southern areas of the Strip, though aid delivery logistics remain undefined and operational readiness is still pending.

Israeli officials estimate that, for now, food supplies in Gaza remain adequate. Recent fuel shipments have reached Emirati and Jordanian field hospitals operating within the enclave. However, a report by The New York Times, citing Israeli security sources, warns that widespread hunger could emerge within weeks unless humanitarian aid resumes at scale.

Strategic Goals: Hostage Return Ranked Lowest

The stated goal of Operation Gideon’s Chariots includes the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. However, internal IDF planning documents obtained by Haaretz reveal that hostage recovery ranks last—sixth—on the operation’s list of objectives. According to the documents presented to Southern Command officers, the priorities are:

1. Defeating Hamas

2. Establishing operational control over the territory

3. Demilitarization of the area

4. Disrupting Hamas’s governance infrastructure

5. Relocation and concentration of the civilian population

6. Returning the hostages

This revelation has sparked frustration among families of hostages, many of whom have voiced strong opposition to the expansion of military activity, fearing it may endanger their loved ones and delay their safe return.

Political and Humanitarian Fallout

The intensification of Israel’s military campaign comes amid a renewed push in indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Israeli defense officials claim the surge in military pressure is intended to push Hamas into concessions at the negotiating table.

While the international community continues to call for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts, the situation on the ground suggests that a large-scale ground invasion may be imminent unless significant progress is made in talks within the coming days.