Trump’s Middle East visit ends, Israel launches Gaza operation

Israel, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, launched a major military operation in the Gaza Strip, dubbed Operation Gideon Chariots, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages.

The announcement came after several days of intense airstrikes across Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described the operation as being conducted with “great force.”

On the other hand, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to escalating efforts to dismantle Hamas, the group that has governed Gaza for nearly twenty years.

This escalation followed the conclusion of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit, which notably did not include a stop in Israel.

Hopes had been raised that Trump’s trip might facilitate progress toward a ceasefire or the reintroduction of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Israel has reportedly blocked the said for over two months.

Despite efforts, negotiations mediated in Doha, Qatar, between Israel and Hamas have stalled.

Hamas had released one Israeli-American hostage in a gesture of goodwill prior to Trump’s visit.

However, the group is demanding an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, a condition Israel firmly rejects.

According to the Israeli military, their forces are intensifying operations throughout Gaza, aiming to exert “tremendous pressure” on Hamas.

Officials say the campaign will not cease until all hostages are returned and the militant group is dismantled.

Israel estimates that about 23 hostages remain alive in Gaza, though there are growing concerns about the status of at least three of them.

The humanitarian toll continues to mount.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 150 people were killed in the last 24 hours alone due to Israeli strikes.

Since Israel ended a ceasefire on March 18, more than 3,000 Palestinians have reportedly died.

One particularly devastating strike on Saturday afternoon in the Jabaliya refugee camp killed at least four children and wounded seven others when it hit a house.

Later, another strike in the same area claimed four more lives.

Desperate scenes unfolded as civilians fled the devastation in Jabaliya.

Naji Awaisa, visibly distraught, questioned, “Until when? Until we all die?”

Airstrikes continued across the region, including in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, where 14 people were killed.

One house was struck, killing eight members of a family, including two parents and their four children.

A separate strike in Gaza City killed four individuals outside a school housing displaced families.

While Israeli military statements acknowledged the killing of “dozens of fighters” and the destruction of an underground route in northern Gaza, no comment was made on the civilian casualties.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv Saturday night.

Some displayed images of Palestinian children killed in the conflict, while others demanded a deal to end the war and ensure the hostages’ return.

Gaza is now enduring the third month of an Israeli blockade that has completely halted the entry of food, water, fuel, and other essential supplies for over 2 million residents.

Experts in food security warn that Gaza is on the brink of famine unless the blockade is lifted soon.

A new humanitarian initiative, backed by the United States, is expected to begin operating by the end of the month, following key agreements with Israeli authorities.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which includes U.S. military veterans, former humanitarian officials, and security contractors, will lead the aid delivery efforts.

Despite this development, many organizations in the humanitarian sector, including the United Nations, have expressed strong reservations.

They argue that the proposed system violates humanitarian principles and is unlikely to adequately meet the needs of the people in Gaza.

U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized that an existing aid plan, involving 160,000 pallets of supplies, is ready for deployment immediately, pending permission to proceed.

“It is ready to be activated — today — if we are simply allowed to do our jobs,” he said.

The ongoing war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others.

Israel’s military response has since led to the deaths of more than 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

This figure reportedly, does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties.

The conflict continues to exact a heavy price on both sides, with no clear resolution in sight.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook