The Israeli military has deployed all of its infantry and armored divisions around the Gaza Strip, setting the stage for an escalation of its land incursions into the region, which humanitarian organizations warn is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.
The forces include units from elite brigades such as the Paratroopers, Golani, Commando, Kfir, and Nahal, in addition to armored brigades 7, 188, and 401, along with several reserve soldiers.
According to Israeli media, this expansion is part of the next phase of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” which was approved by Israel’s security cabinet on May 4, 2025.
Israeli broadcasting reports suggest that these military activities are expected to last for several months and will involve a “comprehensive evacuation” of residents from areas designated by Israel as combat zones. Sources indicate that the Israeli army plans to remain in any territory it occupies during this operation.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated, “We are intensifying our activities according to the planned strategy.” He made these comments during a visit to his forces in Khan Younis, located in the southern part of the coastal territory, adding, “Hamas is under immense pressure. It has lost most of its capabilities and its command and control system.”
Continuous Airstrikes
The Israeli military has continued its attacks on Gaza, launching aerial and artillery strikes. According to the news agency WAM, “38 Palestinian fatalities and 204 injuries occurred over the last 24 hours due to continued Israeli bombardments in the Gaza Strip.”
The agency cited Palestinian medical sources reporting that these casualties have raised the death toll to 53,939 and injuries to 122,797 since October 7, 2023.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reported the deaths of two of its collaborators on Saturday in a strike on their home in Gaza. The organization expressed its shock at the loss of their valued colleagues, Ibrahim Eid and Ahmed Abu Hilal, and reiterated a strong call for the respect and protection of civilians in Gaza.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated that over 950 children have died within just two months in the region. It emphasized that “children in Gaza are enduring unimaginable suffering, with UNICEF reporting that more than 950 have been killed in this time frame.”
UNRWA added that these children “are starving, displaced, and subjected to random attacks,” stressing the urgent need for this to cease.
Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with increasing international calls for a ceasefire and immediate humanitarian assistance. There is a severe shortage of food in Gaza, with markets nearly empty, and the prices of essential goods skyrocketing.
The World Food Programme has warned that Palestinian families are on the verge of starvation and that a consistent daily influx of aid trucks is necessary for the besieged territory. The agency’s statement highlighted that Gaza has been experiencing a catastrophic humanitarian and relief crisis since Israel closed its crossings on March 2 of this year.
It underscored that allowing aid into Gaza is a crucial first step and emphasized the importance of safe and prompt delivery of food within the region.