Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defied international pressure and ordered a ground military operation to seize control of Gaza City. The operation, codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots II”, began in the early hours of Tuesday with the involvement of two Israeli army divisions, causing the deaths of dozens of Palestinians and significant destruction.
The ongoing military campaign involves the 162nd and 98th divisions, with the 36th division expected to join in the coming days. Approximately 60,000 reservists have been called up for the operation, in addition to more than 70,000 already on standby.
Before the ground forces moved in, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza. This was followed by the advance of tanks into areas not under Israeli control, with some units reportedly reaching the city centre.
The operation is being coordinated by IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, and is expected to intensify in the coming days and weeks, with troops advancing further into the city. The plan, as outlined by Prime Minister Netanyahu, aims at a complete takeover of Gaza City.
Israeli military estimates suggest that approximately 600,000 civilians remain in Gaza City, along with around 2,000 Hamas fighters.
A new ordeal for civilians
International media report harrowing accounts from civilians trapped in Gaza, facing death and displacement once again. Over 300,000 Palestinians have fled their homes, heading south with only what they could carry.
Before Israel began preparing its assault, Gaza was home to nearly one million Palestinians.
“I left only for these children,” one man told CNN International, “but I hope a rocket hits me and I die, because this is not a life.” Another resident described how many have sought refuge along the coast, adding that “many don’t know where to go.”
According to foreign media reports, at least 40 people have been killed and dozens more injured in the ground operation so far, including several children. Over the weekend alone, intense bombardments reportedly resulted in 140 deaths.
“Gaza is burning”
“Gaza is burning,” declared Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on social media platform X on Monday. He said the army is “striking terrorist infrastructure with an iron fist,” and praised Israeli soldiers for fighting “bravely to create the necessary conditions for the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas.” He added that “we will not retreat until the mission is complete.”
US Support
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who travelled to Israel, confirmed that “the Israelis have begun conducting operations there.” He warned that Hamas has only a few days left to accept a ceasefire agreement.
During a joint press conference with Netanyahu on Monday, Rubio stated: “Hamas must cease to exist as an armed entity capable of threatening peace and security in the region.” He reiterated that Washington will offer unwavering support to Israel in achieving its objectives in Gaza.
Corruption
On the same day the offensive began, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared before the Jerusalem District Court, where he is on trial for corruption charges. He requested exemption from proceedings, citing the new military operation in Gaza—launched in the early hours, coincidentally.
Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges. The trial began in May 2020 and has seen numerous delays, primarily due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
There have also been interventions from US officials—most notably President Donald Trump, who recently called for Netanyahu to be exempt from the trial.
Growing isolation
The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange recorded significant losses on Monday, as Israeli economic stakeholders blamed the prime minister for harming the economy with remarks suggesting Israel must become a self-sufficient state “like ancient Sparta.”
For the first time, Netanyahu publicly acknowledged the risk of international isolation due to ongoing military operations.
Today, the European Commission is expected to adopt a package of measures against Israel, including the suspension of trade provisions in EU agreements with Tel Aviv.
The Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported on Monday that the Spanish government cancelled a €700 million contract for Israeli-made rocket launchers. Meanwhile, Luxembourg’s foreign minister announced that his country intends to recognise the State of Palestine next week during the UN General Assembly in New York.
Domestic criticism
Opposition leader Yair Lapid issued fresh criticism of Netanyahu’s government, arguing that the military campaign lacks a political objective. “They’re sending the army to fight,” he said, “soldiers and hostages will die, and no one understands what the goal is.”
The prime minister is also facing pressure from families of hostages held by Hamas, who are increasingly fearful for their loved ones.
UN: acts of genocide
The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory accused senior Israeli leaders of inciting genocide, in a report published Monday.
The report names Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and states that since October 2023, Israeli forces and authorities have committed “four of the five genocidal acts” defined under the 1948 Genocide Convention:
“Killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm; deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to destroy the group in whole or in part; and imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the report, calling its conclusions “lies and distortions”. The ministry demanded the immediate dismantling of the Commission, and accused its members of acting as “proxies for Hamas”, noting their alleged history of openly antisemitic views.
