IDF Starts Ground Offensive Into Gaza To Finish Off Hamas

After having targeted Hamas strongholds with airstrikes over the last week, on Sunday, Israel Defense Forces launched a massive ground assault to eradicate the terrorist group Hamas from Gaza.

“IDF troops have begun extensive ground operations throughout northern and southern Gaza as part of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots,’” the IDF announced on Sunday. “Over the past week, the IAF conducted a preliminary wave of strikes, striking over 670 Hamas terror targets throughout Gaza to disrupt enemy preparations and support ground operations. The IAF continues to provide consistent support to operating troops in Gaza.”

“Thus far, the troops eliminated dozens of terrorists, dismantled terrorist infrastructure sites above and below ground, and are currently being deployed in key positions within Gaza,” the IDF continued. “The IDF will continue to operate against the terrorist organizations in Gaza as required, in order to defend Israeli civilians.”

𝐈𝐃𝐅 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐳𝐚 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 “𝐆𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐬”

Over the past week, the IAF conducted a… pic.twitter.com/3qZq1ngMfH

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 18, 2025

“The heroism of IDF soldiers, the unity of the people and the determination of the political echelon increase the chance of the return of the hostages – as it was then and as it is now,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

A Saudi news report has claimed that the bombing campaign by the IDF killed the current leader of Hamas, Mohammed Sinwar, who took over after his brother Yahya, who orchestrated the October 7 massacre, was killed by the IDF, on May 13. “Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday that, “according to all indications, Mohammed Sinwar was killed.” The Saudi channel Al-Hadath also reported that the body of the acting Hamas leader was found in a tunnel near the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, the southern Gaza Strip,” I24 reported.

The new offensive will not stop until Israel has accomplished its aims of rescuing the hostages or having them returned, and until Hamas has been dismantled, military officials said.

While Israel tries to destroy Hamas, the terrorist group’s supporters march through streets protesting against a young Israel female singer, Yuval Raphael, performing at the Eurovision song contest. Raphael had to hide and play dead under bodies slaughtered by Hamas on October 7 to hide from being brutally murdered.

Right now, thousands are protesting in Basel—not against terror—but against Yuval Raphael, an Israeli survivor of Hamas’ massacre, for daring to sing about hope on the Eurovision stage.

Yes. That’s the enemy now: 24 y/o girl who lived through hell and chose music over hate. pic.twitter.com/w6fjiX31bW

— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) May 17, 2025

pic.twitter.com/O0A6HfzFgF
Thousands of Muslims and their political allies flooded the streets of Switzerland — not to demand peace, not to condemn Hamas — but to protest Israel’s Eurovision contestant, Yuval Raphael, for the “crime” of surviving.

Yuval lived through the Nova Music…

— Liza Rosen (@LizaRosen0000) May 17, 2025

Meet @YuvalRaphael_IL a Eurovision artist, survivor, and voice of resilience. After barely escaping a massacre, she’s turning her pain into power, sharing her trauma through the universal language of music. But for daring to be vulnerable, she’s being bullied. Silenced. Because… pic.twitter.com/jZI6a7U6v4

— Sarai (Sarah Idan) Miss Iraq (@RealSarahIdan) May 17, 2025

Yet in the end, Raphael still was triumphantly voted second place:

SECOND PLACE! 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱

Thank you to each and every one of you for showing love and support.

Thank you to our incredible Yuval Raphael for making us proud and spreading her light.

We love you!
Am Yisrael Chai ❤️🇮🇱

📸 EBU pic.twitter.com/jdxE6AJI6N

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 17, 2025

Related: Hamas Agrees To New Hostage Talks After Israel Pummels Terror Group In New Offensive