Israel begins extensive Gaza ground operation after intense airstrikes kill more than 100 overnight

Israel Expands Ground Offensive in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Falter

Israel launched a major ground offensive across northern and southern Gaza on Sunday. The operation follows days of airstrikes that, according to Gaza health officials, killed more than 100 people overnight. The only functioning hospital in northern Gaza was also forced to shut down.

The new push comes as international mediators urge both sides to revive ceasefire talks. Israel and Hamas resumed indirect negotiations in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday. Hamas official Taher Al-Nunu confirmed that “negotiations without preconditions” had started, speaking to the group’s al Aqsa TV station.

But hopes for progress remain low. On Sunday, Israel said it was open to ending the war if Hamas surrendered. “If Hamas wants to talk about ending the war through Hamas’s surrender, we will be ready,” said an Israeli official.

Hamas insists on a full end to the war in exchange for the release of all Israeli hostages. Conflicting statements from the group followed a CNN report suggesting Hamas offered to release nine hostages for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners. Hours later, senior Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri denied such an offer.

“We are ready to release the prisoners all at once, provided the occupation commits to a cessation of hostilities under international guarantees,” Abu Zuhri said.

Israel’s latest campaign, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots,” aims to increase military control across Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the new offensive is needed to “achieve all the goals of the war.” That includes defeating Hamas and freeing the remaining hostages.

IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin stated the military will expand operations, divide Gaza into zones, and move civilians for their safety. Despite the escalation, Israel announced it will now allow limited food aid into Gaza. The move aims to avoid a hunger crisis that could hinder military objectives.

Analysts say Hamas’s return to talks may be linked to recent U.S. diplomacy. Former President Donald Trump visited Doha last week, where he called for an end to the “brutal war.” He also floated a controversial idea to turn Gaza into a “freedom zone” managed by the U.S.

Trump’s Middle East visit did not include a stop in Israel, prompting speculation. However, he denied that Israel had been left out of negotiations. “This is good for Israel,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports more than 300 deaths and 1,000 injuries since Thursday. Entire families were killed in their sleep, officials said.

In the south, a strike killed an infant, his siblings, and parents at a displacement camp. Northern Gaza’s hospitals are no longer operational. At Beit Lahiya’s Indonesian Hospital, explosions severed ventilator systems, leaving critical patients without support.

“We are deeply helpless,” said Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, the hospital’s director. “The situation is beyond alarming.”

Nearby Al-Awda Hospital also suffered damage. Dr. Mohammed Salha reported oxygen and power systems were hit, and medical teams were unable to move due to drones flying overhead.

The UN has declared that famine risk is imminent for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents. The Israeli blockade and months of war have cut off aid. While Israel agreed to let in some food, critics say it’s not enough.

The newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), created with U.S. backing, welcomed the move as a “bridging mechanism.” The group said it would launch four Secure Distribution Sites before month’s end.

Yet aid experts, including the UN, warn the plan could encourage forced displacement. Current sites are only in southern and central Gaza. The UN said that could support Israel’s aim to depopulate the north.

Inside Israel, the new aid policy triggered criticism. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called it a “serious mistake,” warning it would “certainly fuel Hamas.”

More than 53,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict escalated after the October 7 attacks, Gaza health officials report. Most victims are women and children.

Despite renewed talks in Qatar, Gazan residents feel abandoned.

“They were all asleep… all targeted in their bedroom,” said Omar Qandil, who lost his brother, sister-in-law, and 4-month-old niece in a Sunday airstrike.

“There is no one looking at us: not Arabs, not Muslims, no one.”

In Israel, families of hostages condemned the military strategy. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum warned it endangers those still in captivity.

“The current policy is killing the living and erasing the dead,” said Hagai Levine, the forum’s health lead. “Every delay increases the danger.”

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