Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates Amid Ceasefire Talks

Hamas has proposed releasing nine hostages in exchange for a 60-day truce and Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners. The proposal, made during new ceasefire talks in Doha mediated by Qatar and the US, also includes allowing 400 aid trucks a day and evacuating medical patients from Gaza. Israel has demanded proof of life and information about remaining hostages but has not publicly responded to the proposal. The talks come after Israel launched a new offensive in Gaza, named "Operation Gideon's Chariots", which has killed at least 300 people since Thursday, amid a worsening humanitarian crisis and warnings of famine.

Israel launched a new military operation, "Operation Gideon Chariots," in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages, with Defense Minister Israel Katz saying it was being led with "great force." The operation comes as a humanitarian crisis continues in Gaza, with over 3,000 people killed since Israel broke a ceasefire on March 18, and a blockade in place for nearly three months, leading to warnings of a potential famine. The Israeli government has denied that Gaza is facing starvation, while the World Food Programme reports that at least 14,000 children in Gaza are malnourished. Talks are ongoing in Doha, Qatar, with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, along with US support, trying to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.

Israel has significantly escalated its bombing campaign in Gaza, with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) conducting "extensive strikes" and mobilizing troops. Over 150 targets were hit in 24 hours, averaging one airstrike every 10 minutes, resulting in over 250 deaths since Thursday morning. The strikes are reportedly preparatory moves for "Operation Gideon Chariot," a plan to capture Gaza and force its population to a small southern enclave. The operation was approved by Israel's security cabinet earlier in May. The bombing has had a devastating impact, with large areas of Gaza, including the southern city of Rafah, reduced to rubble. The UN has raised concerns over a proposed aid distribution system, calling it a "deliberate attempt to weaponise" aid, and warning that it makes "starvation a bargaining chip."

Israel and Hamas have resumed ceasefire talks in Qatar, despite Israel carrying out "extensive strikes" on Gaza and mobilizing troops for a potential ground assault. Israel's defense minister warned that the military operation will continue if the talks do not progress, while Hamas said the discussions are happening without "pre-conditions" and that they are "keen to exert all the effort needed" to make the negotiations a success. Over 150 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, and the Israeli military has been building up tanks and troops along the border as part of "Operation Gideon Chariot", aimed at defeating Hamas and retrieving hostages.