Israeli army’s ongoing military campaign, named Gideon’s Chariots, has brought Gaza into one of worst phases since Oct 2023. Operation, aimed at what Israel say is eliminating remaining Hamas groups, has caused huge number of civilian deaths. At same time, Israel say they’ll let small amount of aid into region — but observers believe Gaza almost near total collapse.
Why Name Raises Alarms
The name “Gideon’s Chariots” comes from Bible story, where Gideon, chosen by God, fought and wiped out Midianites — people tied to Amalekites, who in past were cursed enemies of Israel. Amalekites were ordered to be destroyed fully — including women, kids. Using this story in modern war paints horrifying picture. It compares Palestinians to those biblical enemies, suggesting total wipeout. “Chariots” now mean tanks and airstrikes, but idea same — domination seen as holy mission.
This kind of thinking isn’t rare anymore. Parts of Israeli politics now use these religious stories to justify violence. So, when operation named this way, it sounds like holy war more than military action. That makes it easier for some to ignore pain of civilians by calling it divine plan.
Operation Began Mid-May With Heavy Bombing
Operation started May 16, and PM Netanyahu called it fight for “total victory.” Not quick raid — long war. Strikes hit Rafah, north, and central Gaza. IDF said they’re targeting Hamas bases, but size of assault one of biggest since start of war.
Death Toll, Civilian Cost Rising
Human loss growing fast. In just one weekend, over 100 Palestinians killed. Gaza Health Ministry says total deaths now over 53,000, with 121,000+ injured — many are women, children.
Hospitals collapsing. Indonesian Hospital, others in north, barely running. Not enough supplies, no power, injured keep coming. Doctors can’t keep up.
Small Aid Allowed — But Too Late, Too Little
After months, Israel finally agreed to let in some aid. Baby food, medicines, small food supply coming through Kerem Shalom. Israeli army watching every truck. But aid groups say not enough — most people still can’t reach it, and rules are too tight.
UN says aid must be non-stop and safe. Gaza’s 2.3 million people depend on it completely now. UN called it “textbook case” of using hunger as weapon in war.
Even with this limited aid, Israel keeps bombing and advancing on ground. Civilians still fleeing. No real improvement on ground.
World Criticism Grows, Legal Questions Raised
World reacting strongly. UN officials, rights groups worry situation may break international laws. Some even said it could be genocide. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty want full investigation — how civilians are targeted, how hunger used, how aid blocked.
“Gideon’s Chariots” only made Gaza’s suffering worse. Most who die are not fighters — just people stuck in place with no escape.
As families bury loved ones and dig through rubble, new attacks come again. Hunger spreading. Almost whole population displaced. Disease rising. Aid seen as symbolic move to reduce criticism, not real help.
With borders closed and no safety, people inside Gaza live each day under bombs — trapped in a war they didn’t start, can’t end.
