Israeli Forces Storm Khan Younis in South Gaza, Killing Scores of Palestinians
Israeli forces carried out a major ground assault in southern Gaza, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties. The fighting intensified in Khan Younis, Jabalia, and Shuja'iyya, causing hospitals to struggle to cope with the influx of dead and wounded. Hamas fighters claimed to have destroyed or damaged multiple Israeli military vehicles, while Gaza health officials reported a high number of casualties due to an Israeli strike on houses in Deir al-Balah.
Intense Fighting in Southern Gaza
Israeli forces launched a major ground assault in southern Gaza's main city, Khan Younis, marking one of the most intense days of combat in the five-week conflict with Hamas militants. Backed by warplanes, Israeli troops entered the heart of Khan Younis and surrounded the city. The commander of the Israeli military's Southern Command described it as the most intense day since the beginning of the ground operation. The fighting also extended to the urban refugee camp of Jabalia and the city of Shuja'iyya.
The al Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, claimed to have destroyed or damaged 24 Israeli military vehicles and caused casualties among Israeli soldiers during ongoing clashes in Khan Younis. Additionally, Gaza health officials reported a high number of casualties from an Israeli strike on houses in Deir al-Balah, north of Khan Younis. The situation in southern Gaza was described as a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
No Negotiations Until Israeli 'Aggression' Ends
Hamas announced that there will be no further negotiations or exchange of detainees until Israeli 'aggression' against Gaza comes to an end. This statement follows the Israeli incursion into Gaza and the subsequent intensification of the conflict. As part of the first stage of the war, Israeli forces seized control of Gaza's northern half and have now shifted their focus to the south.
The international community has called on Israel to uphold international humanitarian law and work towards reducing harm to civilians. The United States, in particular, has urged Israel to take greater measures to protect civilian lives. However, the Israeli government maintains that their aim is to destroy Hamas and that any advice on reducing civilian casualties must align with this objective.
The Devastating Toll on Gaza's Civilians
The ongoing conflict has had a catastrophic impact on the civilian population in Gaza. Israeli bombardments have forced 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents to flee their homes, resulting in overcrowded southern areas that are now sheltering triple their usual population. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of wounded, and shelters are unable to accommodate the number of displaced people.
Survivors described a strike on a school being used as a shelter for the displaced in Khan Younis, which led to a large number of casualties, including children. Gaza residents face the impossible choice of either staying in areas targeted by Israeli bombings or fleeing to already overwhelmed towns and shelters. The situation has been described as a failure of shared humanity, and there are urgent calls for the killing to stop.
