Israel has escalated its military operations in the Gaza Strip, focusing on the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah. The Israeli army has ordered mass evacuations of Palestinians from eastern areas of these cities, signaling a potential new ground assault. This development comes after a barrage of at least 20 rockets was fired from the area towards Israeli communities, most of which were intercepted.The intensified bombardment has resulted in significant casualties. Palestinian medical sources report that at least 8 people were killed and over 30 injured in recent Israeli airstrikes on Khan Younis and Rafah. The attacks have targeted various areas, including residential neighborhoods, causing widespread destruction and forcing many families to flee.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the army is engaged in ‘difficult combat’ in Gaza, nearly nine months after the start of the war. The Israeli military claims to have destroyed most of Hamas’s battalions, but small groups of militants continue to launch rockets into Israel.The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The United Nations and relief agencies warn of the threat of starvation for Gaza’s 2.4 million residents. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, over 37,900 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the conflict, with the majority being women and children. However, these figures cannot be independently verified.The ongoing conflict has sparked international concern. The United Nations has called for an investigation into the attacks and urged both sides to work towards a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, over 100 victims and relatives of victims of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel have filed a lawsuit against Iran, Syria, and North Korea, accusing them of supporting Hamas and seeking at least $4 billion in damages.
Key points
- Israel has ordered new evacuations in Khan Younis and Rafah, signaling a potential expansion of military operations in southern Gaza.
- Recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 8 Palestinian deaths and over 30 injuries, according to Palestinian sources.
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with the UN warning of starvation risks for 2.
- The conflict has lasted nearly nine months, with over 37,900 Palestinian deaths reported by Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, though these figures are unverified.
4 million residents.
Contradictions👾While Israel claims to be targeting Hamas militants and rocket launch sites, Palestinian sources report significant civilian casualties.
The exact nature and extent of military targets versus civilian impact remain disputed.
