The Israeli military launched “extensive strikes” in Gaza as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, aiming to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages, following reports of 100 fatalities from airstrikes on Friday. The renewed offensive, which resumed on March 18 after a two-month truce, has drawn international condemnation, with UN officials accusing Israel of pushing for ethnic cleansing amid a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a blockade. Hamas has called for US intervention to lift the blockade in exchange for hostages, as the death toll from the conflict escalates to over 53,000.
