Palestinians react at the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed several houses, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip August 27, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem
Israeli Forces Advance in Khan Younis Amid Heavy Fighting in Gaza
Israeli Tanks Penetrate Deeper into Khan Younis
On Wednesday, Israeli forces intensified their operations in the southern Gaza Strip, sending tanks further into the city of Khan Younis and launching widespread strikes across the enclave. According to medical sources, these actions resulted in the deaths of at least 34 Palestinians. Residents reported that Israeli tanks made a sudden advance into the city’s center, while the military issued evacuation orders in the eastern parts of Khan Younis. This led to a mass exodus of families seeking safety, with many trapped in their homes due to the ongoing conflict. Palestinian health officials confirmed that Israeli strikes in Khan Younis claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals.
Strikes in Deir Al-Balah and Nuseirat
In the central Gaza city of Deir Al-Balah, where over a million displaced people are sheltering, an Israeli airstrike killed eight Palestinians near a school that was housing families. In Nuseirat, also in central Gaza, journalist Mohammed Abed-Rabbo and his sister were killed in an Israeli attack on their home. Gaza’s Hamas-run government media office reported that Abed-Rabbo’s death brings the total number of Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli fire since October 7 to 172.
Escalating Evacuations and Humanitarian Concerns
In recent days, Israel has issued multiple evacuation orders across Gaza, marking the highest number since the conflict began nearly 11 months ago. These orders have sparked widespread concern among Palestinians, the United Nations, and relief agencies due to the diminishing size of humanitarian zones and the lack of safe areas within the densely populated enclave. The Israeli military has stated that evacuations are being ordered in areas where Hamas and other militant groups are actively staging attacks, including rocket launches into Israel.
Ongoing Clashes Between Israeli Forces and Militants
The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad have confirmed ongoing clashes with Israeli forces across various parts of Gaza, with fighters reportedly using anti-tank rockets and mortar fire against the advancing troops. The conflict has had devastating effects on Gaza, with the health ministry reporting that over 40,500 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The densely populated territory, home to 2.3 million people, has been largely destroyed, and most of its residents have been displaced multiple times. Humanitarian agencies warn of severe shortages of food and medicine, compounding the dire situation.
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