Tel Aviv: The Israeli army announced late Friday that it is entering the initial stage of a recently announced campaign against the Gaza Strip.

According to Anadolu Agency, the army stated that it has launched the first stage of a major offensive in Gaza, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots." The Security Cabinet on May 5 unanimously approved this new plan for Israel to "conquer Gaza" and maintain control over the territory.

The army reported that in the last day, extensive attacks have been launched and forces have been mobilized to seize strategic areas in the Gaza Strip. These actions are part of the opening moves of Operation Gideon's Chariots and the expansion of the campaign in Gaza. The statement asserted that the new campaign aims to "achieve all the goals of the war in Gaza, including the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas."

In the past three days, coinciding with US President Donald Trump's regional visit that began Tuesday, Israel has killed more than 370 Palestinians, marking a sharp increase compared to 78 killed in the previous three days. This information is based on Anadolu's tally using data from Gaza's Health Ministry.

Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli army has conducted a brutal offensive against Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 53,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children. Additionally, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.