AFP and other media outlets reported on May 18 (local time) that the Israeli military has launched a large-scale new ground operation in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement released that day, the Israeli military announced, "Over the past 24 hours, forces under the Southern Command, including both active-duty and reserve soldiers, have begun extensive ground operations across both the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip as part of 'Operation Gideon's Chariots.'" The statement added, "Dozens of terrorists have been eliminated, terrorist infrastructure has been dismantled, and our troops are currently being deployed to key positions."
The Israeli military, which has intensified airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since May 15, declared in a statement on the night of May 16 that it had launched large-scale attacks and troop mobilization to secure operational control in Gaza. 'Operation Gideon's Chariots,' approved by the Israeli Cabinet on May 4, includes plans for Israel to reoccupy the Gaza Strip and maintain control over the territory.
As a result of the Israeli military's intense bombardment over the past four days, more than 400 people have been killed across various parts of the Gaza Strip, and the operation of numerous hospitals in the northern region has been suspended.
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