Israel intensifies Gaza offensive as ceasefire talks resume in Doha
Over 300 killed as humanitarian crisis worsens and new truce negotiations begin in Doha
By BanglaSpot News Desk
Published: May 17, 2025
Hamas has proposed a new ceasefire deal involving the release of nine hostages in exchange for a 60-day truce, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and increased delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This offer arrives amid one of the deadliest waves of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, which have killed more than 300 people since Thursday, according to local health officials.
The talks, brokered by Qatari and U.S. mediators, began on Saturday in Doha, just hours after Israel launched a major new offensive called “Operation Gideon’s Chariots.” The Israeli military stated that it had struck over 150 targets across northern and southern Gaza within a 24-hour period. The escalation marks one of the most intense military actions in the conflict in recent months.
A senior Palestinian official told the BBC that the proposed ceasefire deal would include the following terms: the release of nine Israeli hostages held by Hamas, a 60-day ceasefire, daily entry of 400 humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza, and the evacuation of critically ill medical patients from the territory. However, Israel has not yet responded publicly to the proposal, and continues to demand proof of life and detailed information about all remaining hostages before engaging further.
Civilians Bear the Brunt
The civilian population in Gaza continues to suffer the worst consequences of the ongoing conflict. Hospitals, refugee camps, and shelters have been among the hardest-hit sites during Israel’s latest wave of airstrikes. Aid workers and health officials on the ground describe dire conditions, with an increasing number of children suffering from malnutrition and lack of access to adequate medical care.
Thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives since Israel resumed strikes on March 18, following the collapse of a fragile two-month ceasefire. Many families have been displaced multiple times, forced to flee from neighborhood to neighborhood, with little hope of safety.
British reconstructive surgeon Dr. Victoria Rose, working at a hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about the harrowing conditions. She reported that many children are severely underweight, some have lost teeth due to malnutrition, and many suffer from serious infections and burn injuries. The medical staff themselves are exhausted, with some losing significant amounts of weight due to the relentless stress and overwhelming patient load.
Global Outcry and Warnings
The international community has reacted with alarm to the escalating violence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, along with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, have called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry warned that the new Israeli offensive risks worsening the already catastrophic humanitarian situation for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, many of whom have been living under blockade and restricted access to basic necessities for months.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), condemned the ongoing violence. He warned, “How many more Palestinian lives will be wiped off from their homeland by bombardments, hunger, or lack of medical care?” His statement highlights the growing despair among aid agencies as the conflict intensifies.
Israel’s Objectives Remain Unchanged
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the objective remains to occupy parts of Gaza, push the Palestinian population southward, and destroy Hamas as a military and political force. On May 5, Netanyahu announced plans for an “intense entry into Gaza” which would only commence after former U.S. President Donald Trump completed his Middle East tour, which ended last Friday.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have declared they will not cease operations until Hamas no longer poses a threat and all hostages are returned. Tens of thousands of Israeli troops, including reservists, are now positioned near Gaza, with armored tanks seen at the border. An expanded ground offensive is expected in the coming days.
Meanwhile, many Palestinian families face repeated displacement, with nowhere safe to seek shelter amid the relentless bombardment and advancing troops.
What Comes Next?
As the ceasefire talks continue in Doha under Qatari and U.S. mediation, the world watches closely. Humanitarian agencies warn of a looming famine and collapsing healthcare system in Gaza, while the military conflict rages on with devastating human cost.
The outcome of these negotiations could shape the future of the Gaza conflict, offering a possible reprieve for civilians caught in the crossfire, or a continuation of the deadly cycle of violence. For now, millions hope for peace, aid access, and the safe return of hostages, as the region remains on edge.
