Israeli Airstrikes And Tank Advances In Khan Younis, Kill 20 In Gaza As Tensions Intensify

In recent move Israeli tanks has moved into the northern Khan Younis area of Gaza on Wednesday, with airstrikes killing at least 20 people. The Israeli military’s latest air assault targeted multiple locations, including central Gaza, where medics reported the deaths of 11 individuals, including six children and a medic. Another nine Palestinians died in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, from tank fire.

The military action follows new evacuation orders issued by Israel, citing rocket launches from the area. As artillery shells landed near civilian areas, residents fled westward toward Al-Mawasi, a designated humanitarian zone. Israeli forces also continued their bombardment of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza for the fifth consecutive day, injuring several medical staff members, one critically.

In addition, Palestinian authorities claimed that Israeli forces had demolished numerous houses in northern Gaza, especially in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. While some residents believe the Israeli military aims to forcibly displace them, Israel asserts it is targeting Hamas fighters in an effort to prevent their regrouping.

The violence stems from the ongoing conflict, which erupted after a Hamas-led assault on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli military actions in Gaza have claimed the lives of more than 44,400 Palestinians, with widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes.