In a recent development, Israel has issued an evacuation order to Palestinians residing in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, indicating a potential expansion of military operations in the region. The city has become a refuge for hundreds of thousands who fled northern Gaza following the initiation of Israel’s ground operation against Hamas.
The Israeli government asserts that its primary objective is to eliminate Hamas, citing the group’s attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 casualties and over 240 individuals taken hostage. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 12,000 people, including 5,000 children, have been killed by Israel since then.
A residential building in Khan Younis was reportedly struck by Israeli missiles on Saturday, resulting in the tragic death of 26 people, as reported by a local health official. While Israel has not officially commented on the incident, it has distributed leaflets in the broader area, urging civilians to seek shelter.
Mark Regev, an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasized the desire to prevent civilian casualties in the crossfire. He stated that the evacuation order aims to facilitate the removal of Hamas fighters from underground tunnels in the city. Regev suggested that those urged to relocate, particularly towards the west, might find temporary facilities, including tents and a field hospital.
The proposed relocation areas, near the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, could expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid, Regev noted. However, specific plans for such facilities and their capacity to accommodate potentially over a million evacuees remain unclear.
Southern Gaza, like the rest of the region, has been grappling with a humanitarian crisis since October 7, marked by severe shortages of water, food, and fuel. The UN estimates that at least 1.5 million people in Gaza are internally displaced, with overcrowding posing a significant concern. Ongoing air strikes and a ground incursion by Israel have exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread destruction and casualties.
Recent clashes near Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, where Israel alleges Hamas operates a command-and-control center, have raised concerns. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deny ordering an evacuation of the hospital, reports indicate that people, including patients, have left in response to the ongoing conflict.
In another distressing incident, a UN school-turned-shelter in northern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, was reportedly hit in an Israeli strike, resulting in at least 50 casualties. The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for them to cease immediately. Source – BBC
