Many of Palestinians killed in humanitarian zone near Khan Younis
Israel has issued new evacuation orders for parts of a densely populated humanitarian zone in Gaza, following reports of renewed Hamas attacks from these areas. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) directed the evacuation of an eastern section of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, where around 1.8 million Palestinians have sought refuge.
A senior Hamas military commander, Mohammed Deif, has reportedly survived multiple assassination attempts by Israeli forces. While Israel believes they may have successfully targeted him this time, they are seeking confirmation.
Medical personnel in Gaza reported that Israeli forces began firing immediately after issuing the evacuation order, resulting in the deaths of at least 37 Palestinians near Khan Younis. Tank shells and airstrikes hit the town of Bani Suhaila and other areas east of Khan Younis, which had already been under frequent attack since October.
The IDF stated their strikes targeted militant positions in Khan Younis and the nearby Al-Mawasi area, a humanitarian zone crowded with tent camps that lack proper sanitation and medical facilities. Gaza’s health ministry reported that the fatalities included women and children, and dozens more were injured. The ministry, controlled by Hamas, does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties in their reports.
Approximately 400,000 people reside in the affected areas. Palestinian officials noted that many families began to evacuate but were not given adequate time before the Israeli strikes commenced.
In the midst of these events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for the United States to meet President Joe Biden and address Congress.
