Israel carried out fresh strikes in southern Gaza on Tuesday, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of Palestinians from Khan Younis. The strikes resulted in the death of eight people and more than 30 wounded, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. The Israeli military reported intercepting about 20 projectiles coming from the area.
The airstrikes were in response to a rare rocket barrage by the militant group Islamic Jihad, prompting warnings of a potential ground assault on Khan Younis. The IDF instructed residents to evacuate to designated safe zones, including al-Mawasi, which is now filled with crowded tent camps.
UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed concern over the evacuation order, stating that no place in Gaza is safe for Palestinian civilians. The ongoing conflict has caused significant destruction in Khan Younis and other parts of Gaza, forcing many Palestinians to flee multiple times.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the military was targeting Hamas’ fighters but warned of continued strikes against the group. As civilians flee their homes, access to humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly difficult, with key aid crossings now within the evacuation zones.
The escalating violence in the area raises fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis, with widespread hunger and fears of famine. The relentless cycle of conflict is causing immense suffering for Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, who have been repeatedly displaced and are struggling to receive vital assistance.
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