Israel carried out fresh airstrikes in southern Gaza on Tuesday, leading to hundreds of Palestinians fleeing the area after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ordered a mass evacuation of Khan Younis. The strikes resulted in the deaths of eight people and injuries to more than 30 others, according to reports from the Palestinian Red Crescent and a medical source. The Israeli military said about “20 projectiles” were intercepted after being launched from Khan Younis.
The strikes came after a rare rocket barrage claimed by the militant group Islamic Jihad. The Israeli army warned of a possible ground assault on Khan Younis, prompting residents to evacuate to a designated safe zone.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed concern over the situation, stating that no place in Gaza is safe for Palestinian civilians. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread displacement of the population, hindering humanitarian aid delivery and leading to critical food shortages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military was progressing towards ending Hamas’ influence but indicated that further strikes would continue. The potential for additional violence in Khan Younis raises fears of increased civilian casualties and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The repeated displacement of civilians reflects the dire situation in Gaza, where the population has endured numerous conflicts and are facing severe challenges accessing basic necessities. The international community has called for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation of violence and to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population in Gaza.
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