1. Israel’s Operations in Gaza: From Swords of Iron to Gideon’s Chariots
Israel’s response to the October 7th attacks unfolded in two phases. The first, Operation Swords of Iron, launched on October 7, 2023, was a swift, forceful effort to neutralize Hamas as an immediate threat. The second, Operation Gideon’s Chariots, began on May 16, 2025, marking a shift from immediate retaliation to a long-term strategy to dismantle Hamas’s grip on Gaza. Israel’s objectives remain the same: rescue the hostages, establish operational control, and defeat Hamas so it can never again carry out such atrocities. Gideon’s Chariots focuses on preventing Hamas from using international aid to sustain its terror infrastructure.
2. Humanitarian Aid: Complications and Hamas’s Exploitation
Humanitarian aid to Gaza has been a consistent source of controversy and misinformation. Since October 2023, Israel has delivered more than a million tons of food, water, medicine, and other essentials, facts often ignored by American media. The challenge has never been getting aid in, but what happens afterward: Hamas hijacks shipments, loots convoys, and attacks civilians trying to access the aid.
In March 2025, Israel halted aid shipments to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages and prevent it from diverting aid to terror operations. A new plan was set up to deliver aid directly to civilians, bypassing Hamas wherever possible. While some aid resumed in late May via the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), chaos erupted at Rafah’s aid distribution center, where thousands overwhelmed the site, leading to violence and confusion.
Hamas continues to exploit aid for propaganda and logistics, threatening civilians who accept assistance. Despite these challenges, Israel remains committed to getting aid to those who need it while minimizing Hamas’s ability to benefit.
3. International Response: Western Allies’ Criticism
On May 19, 2025, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s military operations, calling the humanitarian situation “intolerable” and Israel’s limited aid deliveries “wholly inadequate.” They demanded Israel cooperate with the United Nations to ensure aid reaches civilians, despite past experiences showing Hamas’s exploitation of such aid efforts.
This marks a significant shift in tone from three of Israel’s closest Western allies. Gaza’s suffering is no longer framed solely as a consequence of Hamas’s actions; Israel’s actions are increasingly under scrutiny. Western governments’ reluctance to confront Hamas’s tactics complicates Israel’s efforts to protect its citizens while fighting a well-entrenched terror group.
Conclusion
Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas, rescuing the hostages, and protecting civilian lives. The war is not only fought on the ground but also in the court of international opinion, where narratives shape perceptions as powerfully as facts. The stakes are high, and Israel’s strategy must contend with military, humanitarian, and diplomatic pressures all at once.
