Israel escalates military offensive with over 160 airstrikes in Gaza VIDEO

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued their extensive military operations in Gaza on May 19 as part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” marking an escalation in efforts against Hamas. In the past 24 hours, the IDF conducted over 160 airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting a range of terrorist infrastructure.

“Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli Air Force struck more than 160 targets across the Gaza Strip,” the IDF said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

“In northern Gaza, terrorist squads, anti-tank positions, and military buildings were attacked. In central Gaza, underground tunnels and a weapons warehouse were hit. In the south, airstrikes targeted terrorist squads, booby-trapped buildings, a command center, and an anti-tank launch position.”

The operation entered a new phase on May 18 with the official start of the ground assault. “Over the past 24 hours, forces of the IDF’s Southern Command, both regular and reserve, have started a large-scale ground operation across the northern and southern Gaza Strip as part of the beginning of Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” the military reported.

The ground phase has seen significant progress, with the IDF eliminating dozens of Hamas operatives and dismantling critical terrorist infrastructure. “So far, the forces have eliminated dozens of terrorists, destroyed terrorist infrastructure both above and below ground, and are now taking control of strategic areas within the Strip,” the IDF added.

This escalation comes after the Israeli Air Force hit more than 670 Hamas targets in the past week, aiming to disrupt enemy preparations and support the ongoing ground operation. Key targets included weapons depots, terrorist operatives, tunnels, and anti-tank launch positions.

“The IDF will continue to operate against terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip as necessary to protect the citizens of the State of Israel,” the statement concluded.

On May 18, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited soldiers in the northern Gaza Strip, accompanied by OC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor and Brig.-Gen. Sagiv Dahan, the commander of the 162nd “Steel Formation” Armored Division.

“This past weekend, we launched Operation Gideon’s Chariots. We will continue until we dismantle the enemy’s combat ability and achieve a decisive defeat wherever we operate,” Zamir stated. He emphasized the need for the military operation, saying, “We cannot go back to the reality of October 7,” referring to the Hamas-led massacre that took place on October 7, 2023.

The primary objectives of the ongoing operation, according to Zamir, are twofold: ensuring the safe return of the 58 remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and ultimately defeating the terrorist group. “The IDF will provide flexibility to the political echelon to advance any hostage deal,” Zamir said. “A hostage deal is not a halt, it is an achievement. We are actively working toward it.”

In parallel, the Israeli government is pursuing a broader strategy to end the conflict. On May 18, officials announced they were negotiating for a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all hostages, the expulsion of Hamas terrorists from Gaza, and the disarmament of the enclave.

The Israeli negotiating team in Doha, Qatar, is engaged in talks under various diplomatic frameworks, including one proposed by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem emphasized that these discussions are a critical part of efforts to achieve a long-term resolution to the conflict.

By Vafa Guliyeva