Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers in a video circulating on social media were seen blowing up a building in Gaza as part of a so-called ‘gender reveal party’, releasing plumes of blue smoke to signify the birth of a boy.“It’s a boy!” the soldiers shout, followed by laughter as the smoke billows from the destroyed structure.
The incident comes at a time of heightened military escalation in Gaza. On Monday, May 5, Israel’s Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved a controversial new military roadmap to capture the entire Gaza Strip and maintain control over the territory for an indefinite period, according to a report by the Associated Press, citing two Israeli officials.
The officials indicated that this expansion of operations could provoke severe international backlash, particularly as it includes the mobilisation of tens of thousands of reserve troops. The move is being framed by Israel as essential to achieving its war aims — notably, the elimination of Hamas and the rescue of hostages believed to be held in Gaza.
The plan also reportedly includes the relocation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, raising concerns about forced displacement and further deterioration of the already dire humanitarian crisis.
A separate defence source told AP that the plan is unlikely to be implemented before an expected visit by US President Donald Trump to the Middle East later this month, suggesting a possible temporary ceasefire.
Since the collapse of a ceasefire with Hamas in mid-March, Israel has intensified its military operations, with heavy strikes across the enclave resulting in hundreds of casualties. Israeli forces currently control around 50% of the Gaza Strip. Prior to the resumption of hostilities, Israel had already suspended the delivery of humanitarian aid including food, fuel, and water worsening what many observers call the most critical humanitarian emergency in the 19-month-long conflict.