Israeli tanks moved into the northern parts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Wednesday. Palestinian medics reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 20 people across the region.
Residents indicated that tanks advanced a day after the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders. The military claimed there had been rocket launches from the area.
As shells landed near residential areas, families decided to leave their homes. They headed west towards the humanitarian-designated area of Al-Mawasi nearby.
Medics reported that three airstrikes in central Gaza killed 11 people, including six children and one medic. Among the deceased, five individuals were waiting outside a bakery when they died.
In Rafah, near the border with Egypt, tank fire killed an additional nine Palestinians, according to medics. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to these reports from medical officials.
For the fifth consecutive day, Israeli forces targeted Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, according to hospital director Hussam Abu Safiya. He stated that three medical staff members sustained injuries, with one in critical condition, on Tuesday night.
Abu Safiya stated, “Drones are dropping bombs filled with shrapnel that injure anyone who dares to move. This situation is extremely urgent.”
Residents from three towns—Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun—reported that Israeli forces have destroyed dozens of houses.
Palestinians claim that Israel’s army is attempting to force people out of the northern edge of Gaza. They believe the army is using forced evacuations and bombardments to create a buffer zone. However, the Israeli army denies these allegations. They assert that their actions aim to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping in an area they had previously cleared.
After Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities across the border on October 7, 2023, Israel initiated its military campaign in the densely populated enclave. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Since then, Israel’s military actions have killed more than 44,400 Palestinians and injured many others. These operations have also devastated large portions of the enclave, leaving much of it in ruins.
Last week, Israel reached a ceasefire agreement with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. This agreement stopped fighting in a conflict that has been occurring in Lebanon alongside the war in Gaza.
The Gaza war has continued without significant pause. Over a year ago, there was only one ceasefire that lasted for a week.
Click here for more World news.