Operation "Chariots of Gideon": Israel launches new ground offensive in Gaza

Israeli troops have begun a new ground operation in Gaza as part of its Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on X that an ‘extensive’ ground operation was underway in northern and southern Gaza this afternoon.

The renewed offensive follows a night of Israeli strikes on the Palestinian territory overnight, which the Hamas-run health ministry said killed over 130 people.

Israel has ramped up its war against Hamas as they look to seize territory and take greater control over the distribution of aid.

Search and rescue teams work under the rubbles today after the Israeli army attacked a building at the Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza Strip (Picture: Abdalhkem Abu Riash/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The fighting is taking place alongside renewed peace negotiations in Qatar, which include discussions to agree a new hostage deal.

US plans to relocate a million Palestinians to Libya have also been leaked.

The idea had been discussed with Libya’s leadership and is being seriously considered, White House sources told NBC News.

In return the Trump Administration would provide billions of dollars worth of funding to the African nation.

Israel said troops ‘are currently being deployed in key positions within Gaza’ as part of its new ground offensive.

‘The IDF will continue to operate against the terrorist organizations in Gaza as required, in order to defend Israeli civilians,’ the force added on X.

Israeli soldiers move tanks around staging area near the border with the Gaza Strip (Picture: AP)

They said their military had conducted strikes against 670 Hamas targets over the past week in preparation for the ground attacks.

Palestinian health authorities say hundreds of people have been killed, including many women and children.

Israeli tanks were spotted earlier today in a forward staging position along the border with Gaza.