The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a new operation to take control of Gaza City on August 19. The operation has been dubbed Gideon’s Chariots II and builds on the achievements of Gideon’s Chariots, launched in May. The IDF now controls approximately 75 percent of Gaza. To take Gaza City, the IDF has called up 60,000 reservists.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is working to revise civilian access routes to humanitarian aid sites in Gaza, where the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed more than 51 million meals since it began operations on May 26. The four aid distribution sites in Gaza have faced challenges amid reports of clashes between the IDF and Gazans and other incidents. The IDF is now “installing directional and warning signs, opening additional access routes, establishing barriers and checkpoints to regulate vehicle movement.” The changes come amid reports of efforts to begin a new round of possible ceasefire talks and limited IDF operations in the territory.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a new operation in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis due to Hamas activity and rocket fire from the area. The IDF’s 98th Division led the raid with tanks, paratroopers, and commandos. The IDF also announced the deaths of two more Israeli hostages in Gaza and asked civilians to evacuate western Khan Younis.
The IDF continues operations in northern Gaza’s Shejaiya neighborhood, stating it has eliminated 100 terrorists and destroyed 100 terrorist infrastructure sites since June 27. The IDF also released footage reportedly showing Hamas abusing Gazans who sought aid.
The Israel Defense Forces found a long tunnel in central Gaza and have eliminated around 100 terrorists in recent operations, the IDF said on July 1. On June 30, Israel also told civilians to evacuate Khan Younis after rocket fire, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted meetings with IDF commanders to discuss the war in Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces launched a new offensive into the northern Gaza neighborhood of Shejaiya, an area the IDF previously cleared of Hamas terrorists in December 2023 during the first ground maneuvers of the campaign. This raid and similar ones aim to defeat returning Hamas terrorists and find Israeli hostages.
Israel faced drone attacks by Hezbollah between June 23 and June 25 while Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was in Washington, DC. Gallant met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, discussing the need to return security to northern Israel. Austin expressed concern about the chances of war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Jordanian authorities announced an investigation that may have successfully thwarted an Iranian-backed attempt to destabilize the Kingdom. The efforts of Iran, its proxies, and allied organizations in Jordan have notably increased since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.
Israel Defense Forces units continue to operate in Rafah, uncovering numerous tunnels and weapons in civilian homes in southern Gaza. In central Gaza, mortar fire killed two IDF soldiers and severely wounded three. The IDF also carried out several targeted airstrikes against terrorists and a rocket launch site.