The Israeli military has launched the "initial stages" of a new offensive in Gaza, dubbed Operation Gideon's Chariots, aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli forces struck more than 150 targets across the Gaza Strip.

The operation follows growing pressure on Israel to ease its blockade in exchange for hostage releases. Gaza's civil defense reported 100 deaths on Friday alone, while the Hamas-run health ministry says nearly 3,000 people have been killed since March 18, pushing the war’s death toll above 53,000.

Although Israeli media noted an escalation in military activity, there has been no formal announcement of a full-scale campaign expansion yet.