Israel has escalated its military operations in Gaza, advancing into the outskirts of Gaza City under OPERATION GIDEON’S CHARIOTS. The Israeli military confirmed the first stage of its plan to take over the Strip, while simultaneously approving thousands of new housing units in the occupied West Bank. Hamas condemned the assault on Gaza’s one million residents, warning of a humanitarian disaster. With ceasefire talks stalled and Arab nations reluctant to govern Gaza after the conflict, the future of the Palestinian state remains uncertain.