'Israel' announces Gaza ground invasion amid Doha talks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen Net + Israeli media
18 May 2025 20:52
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While indirect negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza kick off, the Israeli occupation forces begin their brutal ground assault on northern and southern Gaza.

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Israeli occupation troops work on tanks at a staging area near the border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Palestine, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP)

The Israeli military announced on Sunday the start of a large-scale ground assault targeting both northern and southern Gaza, marking a new, brutal phase of escalation under what it has dubbed "Operation Gideon’s Chariots".

According to a statement from the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) spokesperson, ground forces launched a broad offensive in various areas of northern and southern Gaza. The move reportedly follows intensified aerial bombardments aimed at weakening the Palestinian Resistance.

The IOF said that its air force initiated its strikes earlier in the week, targeting over 670 sites across the Gaza Strip. The strikes were intended to disrupt the operational readiness of the Gaza resistance and support the subsequent ground invasion.

Internal pressure mounts for captive deal

Despite the military escalation, there is increasing pressure within "Israel" to halt the war and pursue a comprehensive prisoner exchange agreement. Public debate and political voices have grown more vocal in questioning the direction of the war.

A senior Israeli military official told Yedioth Ahronoth on Sunday, "We have no option but to negotiate with Hamas and reach an agreement if we want to bring the captives back alive."

Senior Israeli officer: No military plan for captives

The same official criticized the current military operation, revealing that it includes no specific strategy to recover captives held in Gaza. “The planned operation in the Gaza Strip lacks any concrete plans regarding the hostages, and consists of general statements,” he said.

He further admitted that "Israel" has attempted for several months to recover captives through military pressure, but those efforts have failed.

Hamas, 'Israel' resume negotiations 'without any preconditions'

On Saturday, senior Hamas official Taher al-Nounou confirmed that a new round of indirect negotiations between the group and "Israel" began in Doha, with both sides entering talks "without any preconditions."

"Hamas will present its viewpoint on all issues, especially ending the war, (Israel's) withdrawal and prisoner exchange," he said.

However, a senior figure in the Palestinian Resistance told Al Mayadeen on Sunday that during yesterday's negotiation rounds in Doha, "Israel" remained adamant about securing the release of captives as part of a transitional phase, while Hamas held firm to its demand for a comprehensive package deal.