Israeli forces have initiated an extensive military operation in Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the launch of the next phase of Operation "Gideon's Chariots," with the stated goals of returning hostages and defeating Hamas in the northern Gaza stronghold. IDF spokesman Brigadier General Efi Defrin confirmed that Israeli forces are "holding extensive areas of Gaza City" and operating according to a structured plan approved by the political leadership.
The operation is expected to last several months, according to military officials who emphasized that they are "not limited by time." Defense establishment assessments indicate that several hostages are believed to be held in Gaza City, making their rescue a "supreme moral mission" for the IDF. More than 850 targets were attacked in Gaza City over the past week in preparation for the ground forces' entry, with air and sea fire support accompanying the maneuvering forces.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation's launch during his testimony, stating that Israeli forces are "operating in Gaza City with the aim of defeating the enemy, but simultaneously also evacuating the population." The government is working to open additional evacuation routes to enable faster population evacuation, separating civilians from terrorists. The IDF's Arabic spokesperson announced that an additional "escape route" from Gaza City southward would open through Salah al-Din Street from noon until Friday.
Simultaneously, Israel launched airstrikes against the Hodeidah port in Yemen, targeting Houthi infrastructure in an operation named "Looking from Above." The port, used by the terrorist regime to transfer weapons from Iran, was reportedly attacked 12 times according to Yemeni sources. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the operation aims to "ensure the continuation of the naval and air blockade on the Houthi terrorist organization."
The regional tensions escalated further when a Houthi missile was launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory, prompting sirens across central Israel including the Jerusalem area, Gush Dan region, and surrounding communities. The Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted the missile, and the Home Front Command later announced it was safe to leave sheltered areas.
Diplomatic pressures are mounting on Israel from multiple fronts. Canada's Foreign Minister described the Gaza City operation as "terrible," demanding that Israel comply with international law. The European Union is preparing to approve additional sanctions against Israel, with discussions underway to suspend trade clauses in the Association Agreement. Spain's Broadcasting Authority announced it would withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, while Spanish authorities summoned the Israeli embassy representative for reprimand.
Domestic challenges continue to plague the Israeli government, with more than 260 former Shin Bet officials opposing the appointment of reserve general David Zini as head of the organization, citing concerns about protecting democratic values. Families of hostages maintained protests outside Prime Minister Netanyahu's residence, with the Hostage Families Headquarters stating that "families of hostages will sleep in tents outside the Prime Minister's residence" while calling for immediate action to secure their loved ones' release.
Cultural developments amid the ongoing conflict saw "The Sea," a drama film about a 12-year-old Palestinian boy, chosen to represent Israel at the Oscars. Actor Khalifa Natour, who won the Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film, refused to attend the ceremony and declared that "cinema becomes marginal following genocide in Gaza," reflecting the deep divisions within Israeli society over the conduct of the war.
Meanwhile, a report by the Tekuma Administration revealed that the majority of Gaza Envelope residents have returned to their homes following the October 7 attacks, with return rates varying by community. In Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, 88% of residents have returned, while Re'im saw 95% return. However, only about a third of residents have returned to the heavily affected communities of Nahal Oz and Nir Oz, highlighting the ongoing trauma and security concerns in the border region.
