An Israeli airstrike has resulted in at least nine casualties in Khan Younis, Gaza. Palestinian health officials reported this on Tuesday, following Israel’s directive to evacuate parts of the city in anticipation of a potential ground operation (source).
The strike, which occurred overnight, targeted a residence near the European Hospital, located within the specified evacuation zone. Although the military clarified that the hospital itself was not part of the evacuation order, its director confirmed that most patients and medical staff had already been relocated.
According to Sam Rose, the planning director at UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), approximately 250,000 individuals reside in the newly restricted area, comprising over 10% of Gaza’s population. An additional 50,000 individuals residing near the zone may also opt to leave due to the ongoing conflict.
Israel indicated that around 80% of Palestinians in Gaza, totaling up to 1.9 million individuals, have now relocated to the central region of the territory after being displaced from Rafah by Israeli military actions (source).
Evacuees have been advised to seek shelter in crowded tent camps in coastal areas with limited basic services. The blockade has severely impacted the supply of essential goods to Gaza, leaving the population reliant on aid for survival.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, initiated by Hamas’ attack on October 7, has resulted in a significant number of casualties in Gaza. The Health Ministry in the territory reports that more than 37,900 individuals have been killed by Israeli ground offensives and airstrikes, without distinguishing between combatants and civilians (source).
The situation remains volatile:
— Israel instructs Palestinians to evacuate Khan Younis, signaling a potential escalation in the conflict.
— Turkish President accuses opposition of fueling racism in response to anti-Syrian rioting.
— Lawsuit alleges that Iran, Syria, and North Korea supported Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel.
— Iranian presidential candidates engage in criticism over lack of plans or experience ahead of runoff.
— Follow AP’s ongoing coverage of Gaza conflict at AP News Gaza Conflict Coverage
Here are the latest developments:
Israel reports high concentration of Palestinians in central Gaza
Jerusalem — Israel notes that a majority of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, estimated at approximately 80%, have congregated in the central region following the military operations in Rafah (source).
Colonel Elad Goren, a senior official overseeing Palestinian civilian affairs, shared this assessment on Tuesday. He attributed the influx to recent evacuations from Rafah, compelling many affected individuals to seek refuge in the central area.
Israel has instructed individuals to relocate to designated humanitarian zones along the southwest coast of Gaza and in two urban refugee camps in central Gaza. The living conditions for those displaced are reported to be subpar, lacking essential facilities, according to assessments by UN and human rights organizations.
The move to power a desalination plant in southern Gaza is expected to alleviate the water crisis in the region. However, challenges remain, as most of Gaza’s potable water supply comes from coastal aquifers that are severely depleted and contaminated.
Israel appoints a critic of the International Court of Justice as ad hoc judge in genocide case
Jerusalem — Israel has named a professor critical of the International Court of Justice as its ad hoc judge in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel (source).
Ron Shapira, known for his skepticism towards the court, will join the panel of judges ruling on South Africa’s allegations of genocide in Gaza. Israel refutes the accusations, citing self-defense in response to Hamas’ provocations.
The court has issued directives for Israel to cease military operations in Rafah and intensify humanitarian aid, which Israel has yet to fully comply with.
Israeli soldiers suffer casualties in central Gaza skirmish
Jerusalem — Two Israeli soldiers were killed, and one sustained severe injuries in a confrontation in central Gaza, as reported by the military. Details of the battle were not disclosed in the official statement issued on Tuesday.
The skirmish, involving the Islamic Jihad militant group, targeted Israeli supply routes in the Netzarim Corridor. The military action aimed to separate northern Gaza from the south, a strategic move early on in the conflict.
Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, 674 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives, with over half of the casualties attributed to Hamas’ initial attack on October 7.
Israeli airstrike claims multiple lives in Khan Younis
Khan Younis, Gaza Strip — An Israeli airstrike has resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals in Khan Younis. The strike followed Israel’s evacuation orders for parts of the city, issued on Monday (source).
The casualties, including three children and two women, were reported at Nasser Hospital. The strike targeted a residential property near the European Hospital, a designated evacuation zone. Despite the initial confusion, the hospital’s director confirmed the relocation of most patients and medical staff.
Approximately 250,000 individuals affected by new evacuation orders in Gaza
Beirut — A UN official estimates that around 250,000 people are impacted by the recent evacuation directives in southern Gaza. The Israeli military mandated new evacuations in and around Khan Younis, marking the third mass exodus within a short period (source).
Sam Rose from UNRWA revealed that the affected population comprises over 10% of Gaza’s residents. With limited basic services in overcrowded tents along the coast, evacuees face challenging conditions in nearing safety.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has prompted continuous displacement measures, leaving many residents and aid groups anxious about the safety throughout the region.
