The
reinforcements are part of an expanded military operation approved earlier this
month under what Israeli officials have termed the “Chariots of Gideon” plan, a
long-term campaign involving sustained ground combat and wide-scale
displacement of Gaza’s civilian population.
According to KAN, the army’s operations are currently
focused on two main areas: northern Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis.
The military has warned residents in those areas to evacuate
ahead of intensified aerial bombardments, though reports from humanitarian groups
and residents indicate many displaced civilians continue to face attacks during
their movement and in supposed safe zones.
The Israeli army previously deployed Divisions 252, 143, and
36 to Gaza. In the last week, it added Divisions 98 and 162, with the latest
deployment further bolstering ground forces already operating in the Strip. No
official figures have been released regarding the number of troops involved.
On May 4, Israel’s Security Cabinet gave formal approval to
expand the military campaign. The government subsequently began mobilizing tens
of thousands of reservists and launched a coordinated ground assault on May 18
from multiple directions.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported
Friday that more than 172,000 people in Gaza have been newly displaced in the
past week alone, adding to the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Israel has stated that its forces are working to evacuate
civilians from designated combat zones, though aid agencies have warned of
ongoing strikes on displaced populations.
Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, more than
53,900 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities. The
majority of those killed are reported to be women and children.
Israel continues to face mounting international scrutiny
over its military campaign. In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC)
issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against
humanity in Gaza.
Additionally, proceedings continue at the International
Court of Justice (ICJ), where Israel is the subject of a genocide case brought
forward by South Africa.
The Israeli government has rejected international ceasefire
calls and maintains that its operations are aimed at neutralizing threats from
militant groups operating within Gaza.
