Israel surges troops and intensifies operations in Gaza

Israel is escalating its military campaign in Gaza as of early May 2025. This decision follows nearly 19 months of conflict and comes on the heels of a collapse of a second hostage-ceasefire agreement with Hamas in March. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved plans for a significant troop surge and expanded operations aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas to negotiate a deal for a ceasefire and the return of hostages. The Israeli military has begun calling up tens of thousands of reservists as part of this offensive, which is intended to reclaim more territory and destroy Hamas infrastructure in the territory. Since the beginning of the fighting, over 52,000 Palestinians are reported to have been killed, including many women and children, according to local health officials. The violence has also led to widespread displacement among Gazans, as Israel secures control of more of the coastal enclave. On May 3, 2025, the Israeli Cabinet was expected to vote on the military's recommendations for a planned escalation in operations. Meanwhile, tensions heightened further as Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched a missile into the vicinity of Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, prompting authorities to temporarily halt air traffic. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated severely, with reports suggesting that this might be one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent memory. Humanitarian aid into Gaza has been strictly limited since early March when crossings were shut down. Food, fuel, and medical supplies are running low, with some communities reporting food shortages. Critics and families of hostages are increasingly vocal against the continuation of military operations, urging the government to seek a resolution that prioritizes the safe return of hostages still held by Hamas. The Israeli military's strategy is to utilize the current troop surge to apply intensified pressure on Hamas. Israeli leaders assert that defeating Hamas is paramount while families of remaining hostages advocate for negotiations to ensure their loved ones' safe return. The conflict remains deeply intertwined with broader regional dynamics, including threats posed by Iranian-backed groups and ongoing violence within Gaza's densely populated areas. As of now, citizens within Israel and the Palestinian territories continue to be caught in the crossfire, raising questions about the long-term implications of the conflict for all involved.