Israel Wants to "Control," The U.S. Wants to "Take Over"? Latest Developments in Gaza

On May 16, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces announced the launch of a large-scale military operation code-named "Operation Gideon Tank," aiming to fully control the Gaza Strip, strike Hamas, and push Palestinian civilians to relocate to southern Gaza. The operation intends to prevent Hamas from controlling humanitarian aid supplies and ensure Israel's absolute dominance over the area.

In the past day, the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on over 150 military targets in Gaza, focusing on anti-tank missile launch sites and buildings used to attack Israeli forces. Gaza’s civil defense reported that the northern town of Beit Lahia was hit most severely, with many victims still buried under rubble. Statistics show the attacks caused at least 100 deaths and over 200 injuries. Gaza’s health authorities reported more than 250 deaths since the morning of May 15, marking the deadliest round of attacks since Israel resumed military operations on March 18.

Meanwhile, on May 15, U.S. President Donald Trump, attending a business roundtable in Qatar, again proposed "taking over Gaza" and turning it into a "free zone," but did not provide further details. Sources revealed the U.S. plans to permanently relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya as part of a resettlement scheme, possibly in exchange for releasing billions of dollars of frozen Libyan funds. The plan has not yet been finalized but discussions with Libyan leadership have taken place.

Hamas leaders strongly rejected the proposal, reaffirming that Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory and not a commodity to be bought or sold.

Analysis and Opinions

• Israel’s military operation intensifies with clear objectives
  Operation Gideon Tank shows Israel’s intent to fully control Gaza, increase military pressure on Hamas, and weaken Hamas influence through population displacement, demonstrating a firm stance.
• Rising casualties highlight severe humanitarian crisis
  Continuous heavy airstrikes have caused significant civilian casualties, especially in northern Gaza, worsening humanitarian concerns.
• U.S. "takeover" proposal faces skepticism
  Trump’s idea of creating a “free zone” and relocating Palestinians reflects a U.S. attempt to solve the Gaza crisis via resettlement but lacks detailed planning and local support, making it hard to implement.
• Geopolitical complexity of the relocation plan
  Moving Palestinians to Libya raises regional stability and human rights issues; Libya’s own unstable situation and lack of broad international acceptance make the plan highly challenging.
• Hamas firmly opposes territorial concessions
  Hamas insists Gaza is an integral part of Palestine and rejects any “buying or selling” of land, signaling a hardline political and sovereignty stance that may prolong conflict.
• Complex situation with bleak peace prospects
  Israel’s aggressive campaign combined with U.S. relocation plans and Hamas’s resistance suggest ongoing high conflict risks and escalating humanitarian crises, calling for sustained international attention and intervention.