### Israeli Military Launches Major Offensive in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions

The Israeli military announced the commencement of extensive strikes and troop mobilization in the Gaza Strip late Friday, marking the beginning of a new military operation named "Gideon's Chariots." The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that the mission aims to achieve key objectives, including the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas.

The initiation of this major operation coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's conclusion of a four-day tour of the Middle East, during which he visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Local health authorities in Gaza reported that the latest round of strikes has resulted in at least 58 fatalities overnight, raising the death toll since Thursday to over 300.

President Trump expressed his concern over the escalating conflict and hinted at potential U.S. involvement. "We’re looking at Gaza. And we’re going to get that taken care of. A lot of people are starving," he remarked on Friday.

In related developments, Palestinian media sources reported early Saturday that Israeli ground troops had advanced toward Deir al-Balah in Gaza. This area had previously remained untouched by ground operations during the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Hamas negotiators have reportedly initiated a new round of talks in Doha aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Taher al-Nounou, an adviser to Hamas' leader, confirmed to the BBC that all issues were open for discussion without any preconditions.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz commented on the renewed indirect negotiations in Qatar, describing Hamas' return to the table as a significant shift from their earlier stance. Katz also noted that recent Israeli strikes targeted Mohammed Sinwar, believed to be a prominent leader of Hamas in Gaza, though concrete information confirming his status remains unavailable.

Tensions between Israel and the Trump administration have surfaced, highlighted by the U.S. President's omission of Israel during his recent Middle East visit. Additionally, recent U.S. dealings have included direct negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of an American-Israeli hostage, and agreements with the Houthi rebels in Yemen aimed at ceasing U.S. strikes in exchange for halting attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea.

NBC News reported that the Trump administration is contemplating a plan to relocate up to 1 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya, with the U.S. potentially releasing billions in frozen funds to Libyan authorities as part of the deal. Concurrently, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has announced plans to start distributing aid to Gaza by the end of the month to ameliorate the region's dire humanitarian situation.

In light of the crisis, United Nations Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher has called for the immediate and unrestricted delivery of aid to Gaza. "To those proposing an alternative modality for aid distribution, let's not waste time: We already have a plan," stated Fletcher, emphasizing the U.N.'s capability and moral commitment to deliver the necessary aid.