Israel Launches Major Offensive to Seize and Control Parts of Gaza

Israel said the operation was intended to gain further operation control over key areas in Gaza and to fulfill its mission of destroying terrorist group Hamas.

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization, Israeli troops deploy along Israel's border with the Gaza Strip on May 13, 2025. Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images

Israel has launched an extensive new campaign aimed at seizing control of more of the Gaza Strip as it seeks a definitive end to the war there.

A post on the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) X page states that the campaign was named Operation Gideon’s Chariots, a reference to the ancient Jewish military leader whose exploits are documented in Jewish and Christian holy texts.