On 4 May 2025, Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to expand its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Codenamed Operation Gideon's Chariots, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) aim to defeat Hamas, destroy its military and governing capabilities, and take control over three quarters of the Gaza Strip. The operation involves combined military force from land, air, and sea. On 16 May, Israel announced the launch of the operation. As of 4 July, the Israeli claimed it controlled approximately 65% of the Gaza Strip, most of which was captured during this offensive though this figure was disputed as being inaccurate and understating the control Hamas retains in Gaza. The United Nations Human Rights Office condemned the offensive as tantamount to ethnic cleansing.
In a harrowing video released by Saraya Al-Quds, Hamas' military wing, captured IDF soldier Ron Breslavsky makes a chilling plea..
