On Saturday, the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders for residents of Khan Yunis City in southern Gaza, amid ongoing conflict with Hamas. This follows the retrieval of five Israeli bodies and warnings of further military operations.
The United Nations reported that over 180,000 Palestinians have already fled the area due to intense fighting since Monday. The evacuations and increased hostilities have significantly disrupted aid operations, leading to severe water, hygiene, and sanitation issues.
The health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, reported that 70 people were killed and over 200 injured during an Israeli operation in Khan Yunis on Monday. Israel justified the operation, citing the need to stop rocket fire from the area.
In addition to the new evacuation orders, heavy fighting continues in eastern Khan Yunis, with at least 16 bodies brought to Nasser Hospital from various parts of the governorate on Friday.
The conflict began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,197 deaths, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages, with 111 still held in Gaza. Israel’s military response in Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 39,175 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry.