May 19, 2025: In a significant escalation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have struck more than 160 terror targets across northern, central, and southern Gaza in a single day as part of the newly launched Operation Gideon’s Chariots.
The IDF confirmed the operation via a post on X, stating:
“Over the past day, IDF troops struck over 160 terror targets in Gaza, including an operations center and an anti-tank missile post.”
The strikes targeted terrorist cells, underground infrastructure, anti-tank missile launch sites, weapons storage facilities, and booby-trapped buildings.
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- In Northern Gaza, IDF forces hit terrorist cells, missile launch posts, and military structures.
- In Central Gaza, they focused on underground facilities and weapons storage.
- In Southern Gaza, attacks were directed at terrorist groups, military compounds, and booby-trapped sites.
According to a statement shared by CNN, the IDF said the attacks were part of an expansive campaign to achieve the war’s objectives, including the defeat of Hamas and the release of hostages taken during the October 7th attack.
IDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani elaborated on the strategy in a video briefing, detailing the ground advances in both Northern and Southern Gaza.
“Our mission is clear: bring our hostages home and dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities,” he said.
He listed four primary goals of the operation:
- Providing advanced warnings to uninvolved civilians,
- Gaining full control of the battlefield,
- Protecting Israeli citizens, and
- Eliminating Hamas’s leadership and infrastructure.
Over the past week, the Israeli Air Force has reportedly struck more than 670 Hamas-related targets, including tunnels, weapons sites, and anti-tank units. Dozens of terrorists have been killed, according to the IDF.
Lt. Col. Shoshani emphasized that while the campaign will not end quickly, Israel is committed to fighting until Hamas no longer poses a threat and all hostages are returned.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the Israeli military officially confirmed that Operation Gideon’s Chariots is now underway, involving regular and reserve soldiers of the Southern Command, supported heavily by air power.