Israel launches new military campaign in Gaza Strip

According to RT, on May 16, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the launch of a large-scale attack on Gaza .

"The IDF has launched widespread attacks and mobilized forces to seize strategic areas in the Gaza Strip in the opening move of Operation Gideon's Chariots and expanding the campaign in the strip."

The Israeli military reiterated its goal of rescuing the hostages and defeating Hamas.

"The Southern Command will continue to operate to protect Israeli citizens and carry out the objectives of the operation," the IDF stressed.

Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on the Tel al Zaatar neighborhood in Gaza City on May 15, 2025. Photo: Anadolu.

Previously, on May 15, Israel conducted a fierce airstrike across Gaza, increasing casualties in this strip of land.

At least 57 people were killed in airstrikes on the Gaza city of Khan Younis overnight and early on May 15, according to local medical workers. Doctors at the Nasser Medical Complex reported numerous casualties, including children.

"Israeli warplanes directly targeted nine houses in Khan Younis city without any warning," Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir al-Balah, said, adding that the houses were "completely wiped out".

According to reporter Tareq, the airstrikes show "a pattern of attacks not aimed at military targets but aimed at systematically destroying Gaza's social structure".

Al Jazeera reported that at least 115 Palestinians have been killed since dawn on May 16.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was reportedly broken in March after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on the second phase.

>>> Readers are invited to watch the video : Israel launches a large-scale attack on Gaza