Gaza: Israeli Army Expands Ground Offensive as Hamas Reopens Negotiations

As the Israeli military launches a new phase of its ground assault in Gaza, indirect ceasefire talks resume in Doha amid escalating violence.

The Israeli army announced on Sunday, May 18, the launch of a large-scale ground operation in both the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots.” This intensification follows a wave of massive airstrikes the previous day, with Israeli forces stating their aim is to secure the release of hostages and achieve the complete defeat of Hamas.

In a statement, the military confirmed it had deployed reinforcements to seize control of several areas in the besieged enclave, which has endured more than 19 months of war. According to Gaza’s civil defense, at least 50 Palestinians were killed in the latest strikes.

Hospitals shut down amid deepening humanitarian crisis

Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry reported that all public hospitals in the north of the territory are now out of service. It claimed Israeli forces had besieged the last operational facility, the Indonesian Hospital, forcing it to shut down due to heavy gunfire and blocked access for patients, staff, and medical supplies.

Despite the military escalation, diplomatic efforts continue in Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “open to a deal” that would include a cessation of hostilities, but insisted such an agreement must also involve the exile of Hamas leaders and the disarmament of Gaza. His office confirmed that the Israeli negotiating team in Doha was “exploring all possible avenues” through indirect talks facilitated by Qatari and U.S. mediators.

Meanwhile, Hamas announced it is resuming negotiations without preconditions, expressing a willingness to approach the talks with “great flexibility.”

International pressure is mounting. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Saturday night for the second time in three days, discussing the situation in Gaza and the urgent need to secure the release of all remaining hostages.