IDF Launches Renewed Ground Operation Against Hamas in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Resume in Qatar

Latest Developments

• IDF Operation Drives Hamas to Negotiating Table: Overnight operations in Gaza resulted in the elimination of “dozens of terrorists” and the destruction of “multiple terror infrastructures,” the IDF announced on May 17. Among the targets was a two-kilometer underground tunnel in northern Gaza that was destroyed by troops from the IDF Northern Brigade and the Yahalam combat engineering unit. The launch of Israel’s renewed campaign against Hamas terrorists in Gaza — dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots” — came as the Iran-backed terrorist organization confirmed that it was participating in ceasefire talks in Qatar without “preconditions.” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted that with the launch of the operation, “led with great force by the IDF command, the Hamas delegation in Doha announced a return to negotiations on a hostage deal, contrary to the refusal stance they had taken up until that moment.”
• Abbas Calls on Hamas to Surrender Power to PA: Addressing an Arab Summit meeting in Baghdad largely focused on Gaza, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas to give up power and surrender its weapons to PA forces. “The Palestinian vision supports the adoption of an Arab plan that supports stopping Zionist attacks and achieving peace in the region,” Abbas declared. Separately, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who is also in Baghdad, urged President Donald Trump “as a leader who wants to consolidate peace, to apply all necessary efforts and pressure for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.” 
• IDF Readying Humanitarian Aid Distribution Centers: According to the Jerusalem Post, the IDF is “operating in several areas across Gaza to establish shelter zones and humanitarian aid centers where food packages will be distributed to Palestinian families.” No aid has entered the coastal enclave since March, when Israel suspended deliveries over Hamas’s ongoing refusal to release the hostages it continues to hold captive. On May 14, Israel confirmed it had reached an agreement with the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to resume aid deliveries by the end of the month.

FDD Expert Response

“Hamas is up against it on multiple fronts right now. Renewed Israeli military operations, coupled with organic popular protests from everyday Gazans protesting their rule would be bad enough. But now Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is calling for the group to end the war and quit the Gaza Strip. This has forced the Iran-backed terror group to return to hostage negotiations without preconditions. It’s unclear where any of this leaves us. But one gets a sense that there may be a long-awaited momentum shift that could portend and end of conflict after nearly 600 days of war.” — Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director

“Netanyahu’s war goals have remained the same since day one: returning the hostages and ensuring that Hamas is no longer a threat to Israel. This Gaza surge demonstrates that Jerusalem is not willing to concede on either goal and that the IDF has the grit, the determination, and the support from Washington to persevere.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

“Israel is facing an immensely complicated situation in Gaza as it attempts to harmonize the goals of defeating Hamas, securing the freedom of the remaining hostages, and averting an intensification of the humanitarian crisis. Hamas now has a rapidly narrowing window of opportunity to accept reality by surrendering its rule and releasing the hostages, in order to bring much needed relief and assistance to the Gazan population.” — Ben Cohen, Senior Analyst and Rapid Response Director

FDD Background and Analysis

“Israel Ready to Resume Gaza Aid Through New Foundation as Expanded Operation Looms,” FDD Flash Brief

“Large Minority Wants to Leave Gaza as Hamas Popularity Declines, New Poll of Palestinians Finds,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘We’re Increasing the Pressure’: Israel Approves Expanded Gaza Operation, IDF Set to Hold Territory,” FDD Flash Brief