Israel Launches Major Offensive in Gaza

Israel has launched a major ground and air offensive in Gaza, resulting in over 100 deaths in a single day and raising the total death toll to more than 300 since Thursday, following the end of the last truce in March. The Israel Defense Forces state their goals are to secure operational control, free Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in the October 2023 attacks, and dismantle the militant group. Ceasefire negotiations in Doha remain stalled, with Hamas demanding international guarantees—especially from the US—that Israel will not resume hostilities after a truce. Public opinion in Israel is increasingly focused on returning hostages rather than complete military victory. International criticism of Israel's tactics has intensified, with accusations of ethnic cleansing and deliberate starvation. President Donald Trump recently ended his regional tour without achieving a Gaza agreement, as the US expresses concern over the deepening humanitarian crisis.