Overview

• Israel's security cabinet unanimously approved 'Operation Gideon’s Chariots,' a phased plan to occupy Gaza and eliminate Hamas infrastructure if no hostage deal is reached.
• The campaign will involve tens of thousands of reservists and aims to hold captured territory indefinitely, marking a shift from previous strategies of temporary incursions.
• Plans include flattening remaining buildings in Gaza and relocating nearly two million residents to a single 'humanitarian area,' raising significant humanitarian concerns.
• President Trump’s May 13–16 Middle East visit is seen as a final window for a hostage deal, with Israeli officials using the operation's threat to pressure Hamas.
• Critics, including hostage families and international organizations, warn the operation could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and endanger hostages.