Over 200 Killed in Gaza Strip in Two Days
Israel Launches "Chariots of Gideon" Operation Amid Trump's Middle East Tour
Heavy Bombardment and Ground Operations Begin as Hostage Negotiations Stall
During U.S. President Donald Trump's tour of the Middle East, Israel launched a heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip and has now begun operations aimed at reoccupation.
On January 17 (local time), smoke rises from the Gaza Strip beyond the barrier as a result of Israeli military shelling, viewed from southern Israel. Photo by Yonhap News
On the night of the 16th (local time), the Israeli military announced in a statement, "We have begun extensive attacks and troop mobilization to secure operational control in the Gaza Strip."
The Israeli military claimed, "This is part of preparations to expand operations and to achieve the war objectives, including the release of hostages and the dismantling of the Hamas terrorist organization."
According to reports from Ynet and The Times of Israel, loud explosions were heard in northern Gaza until the morning of the 17th, and shelling and gunfire began from Israeli ground vehicles in the Tuffah area east of Gaza City.
It was also reported that airstrikes were carried out overnight in Khan Younis, Jabalia, and Deir al-Balah.
This marks the first offensive under the "Chariots of Gideon" operation plan, which was approved by the Israeli cabinet on the 4th. The plan includes Israel's intention to reoccupy the Gaza Strip and maintain territorial control.
Israeli media had predicted that the operation would begin if negotiations for the release of hostages did not progress even after President Trump's Middle East tour. Ynet explained that the intensified attacks on Gaza in recent days were preparations for the deployment of additional troops.
Ynet reported that during President Trump's visit from the 13th to the 16th, his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff attempted to broker a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas in Qatar, the mediating country, with the release of hostages and a one-month cessation of hostilities as conditions. However, no agreement was reached.
An Israeli source stated, "Witkoff has abandoned the discussions and is leaving the decision to Israel."
According to Iran's state-run Press TV, senior Hamas official Bassem Nassem accused President Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff of breaking his promise to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza if the American-Israeli dual national hostage Ethan Alexander was released.
Israel has intensified its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since the 15th. It is reported that more than 200 people have lost their lives in the heavy bombardment that continued over two days until the 16th.
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