Efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza appear to be faltering once again, with Israeli plans for a fresh military campaign against Gaza City casting a shadow over international mediation attempts. The operation, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots 2,” is being framed as an assault designed to dismantle the city and uproot its residents, an escalation seen by many as part of the continuing devastation that has defined nearly two years of war.

Palestinian representatives argue that the decision to move forward with such an offensive reflects a complete disregard for mediation efforts aimed at achieving both a truce and a prisoner exchange. While proposals have been accepted on one side, the Israeli leadership has pressed ahead with preparations for intensified bombardment and ground action, raising fears of another wave of mass displacement and destruction.

Observers warn that the planned offensive risks worsening what is already described as a humanitarian catastrophe. With Gaza’s infrastructure shattered, food supplies dwindling, and medical services collapsing, the prospect of renewed attacks threatens to extinguish what remains of daily life. Calls are growing for international actors to apply pressure to halt the escalation, as families in Gaza brace for yet another round of devastation in a war that shows no sign of ending.