Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes near Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Palestinians, including six children and four women, according to Gaza medics. The bombardment, which also targeted the town of Bani Suhaila east of Khan Younis, was part of a broader military effort following Israel's new evacuation orders for certain neighborhoods due to renewed attacks from those areas.
To facilitate these evacuations, the Israeli military adjusted the boundaries of a humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi to keep civilians away from combat zones. Despite these measures, Palestinian health officials and international relief agencies have reported that there is no safe haven left in Gaza, with recent attacks in Al-Mawasi and other areas exacerbating the crisis.
The Israeli military has stepped up its operations in response to the rise in militant attacks, including rocket launches from the targeted locations. International observers and Palestinian officials, on the other hand, have condemned these actions, claiming that they are unjustifiable and result in a significant number of civilian casualties.
Health officials at Khan Younis' Nasser Hospital have issued an urgent need for blood donations in the midst of the unrest in order to aid handle the inflow of casualties. According to reports, emergency personnel have found it challenging to reach damaged regions because to the intensity of the bombing; the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service has reported multiple casualties that they were unable to attend to.
The ongoing conflict, which began with a cross-border assault by militants on October 7 of the previous year, has seen significant casualties on both sides. With over 38,000 Palestinians reported killed and continued efforts for a ceasefire faltering due to disagreements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a delegation to work on a potential hostage deal, though details of their mission remain unclear.
