Operation “Chariots of Gideon” marks intensified military campaign as talks over hostage deal restart.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced Saturday that Hamas has resumed indirect negotiations with Israel in Doha, Qatar, amid a renewed and widespread military campaign in Gaza named “Operation Chariots of Gideon.” The shift in Hamas’s stance, Gallant said, came shortly after the Israeli military launched its expanded offensive on Friday.
“When Israel launched the Chariots of Gideon operation, the Hamas delegation in Doha announced the resumption of negotiations regarding the hostage agreement,” Gallant stated. “This occurred without an unnecessary influx of aid to Gaza and without a cease-fire,” he added.
Gallant emphasized that the courage of Israeli soldiers and the determination of the political leadership have increased the chances of bringing home the 58 hostages still held by Hamas. He noted that the group’s renewed participation in the talks “contrasts with the previously uncooperative stance” it had adopted.
Hamas also confirmed that indirect negotiations with Israel have restarted in Doha without any preconditions. Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said, “This round of negotiations began without preconditions from either party, and all issues are open for discussion.” He added that Hamas will present its position on all topics, with particular focus on ending the war, Israeli troop withdrawal, and prisoner exchanges.
The new negotiations come in a highly volatile context. Earlier this week, an Israeli delegation traveled to Doha with instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to restart dialogue with Hamas after the release of American hostage Edan Alexander. Despite these efforts, progress in the talks remains limited.
According to the Qatari outlet Al Araby al Jadeed, urgent meetings are now being held between Qatari mediators and the Hamas delegation to reassess the current state of negotiations.
Meanwhile, civilians in Gaza continue to face deteriorating conditions, including heavy bombardment and a shortage of humanitarian aid. The international community is closely monitoring developments, hoping the talks may de-escalate tensions and lead to a broader cease-fire agreement. However, major differences between the parties persist.
Operation “Chariots of Gideon”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Friday that it had begun a major new offensive across the entire Gaza Strip under the banner of “Operation Chariots of Gideon.” This campaign, according to the military, represents an expansion of previous operations and aims to eliminate Hamas’s presence in the territory.
“In the past day, the IDF carried out widespread airstrikes and deployed ground forces to seize strategic areas in Gaza,” the military said in a statement. The objective, it noted, is to achieve the full scope of wartime goals — including the release of hostages and the military defeat of Hamas.
IDF officials stated that specific objectives include taking and holding key areas of the enclave, pushing civilians southward, targeting Hamas fighters, and preventing the militant group from accessing humanitarian aid. Aid distribution could resume shortly through a mechanism coordinated with the United States and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
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