The IDF announced the start of a large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

On May 18, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the start of a large-scale ground operation in the north and south of the Gaza Strip.

"Over the past day, the Israel Defense Forces under the Southern Command, including both active military personnel and reservists, have launched large—scale ground operations throughout the north and south of the Gaza Strip as part of Operation Gideon's Chariots," the IDF said in a Telegram channel.

It is reported that over the past week, the Israeli Air Force has hit over 670 Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip in order to disrupt enemy training and support the ground operation.

The Israeli army has already killed dozens of fighters of the movement, and is currently deploying to key positions in the Gaza Strip, the statement said.

"The Israel Defense Forces will continue to act against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip as necessary to protect Israeli civilians," the IDF added.

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Earlier in the day, media reported that at least 125 people were killed in early morning Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. It is specified that 36 of the dead were killed in a refugee camp in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis.

The IDF's plans to expand its ground operations in the Gaza Strip became known on May 17. The Israeli army said at the time that it continued to seek the release of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas.