Israeli armored vehicles advanced into the northern parts of the Khan Younis area in the southern Gaza Strip today, while Palestinian rescuers reported at least 20 people killed in Israeli airstrikes across the enclave.
According to local residents, the armored vehicles moved forward a day after the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders, citing rocket launches from the area.
With shells landing near residential zones, families fled their homes, heading west toward the nearby Al-Mawasi area, designated as a humanitarian zone.
Casualties from airstrikes and shelling
Rescuers reported that 11 people, including six children and a rescuer, were killed in three airstrikes in central Gaza. Five of the victims were standing in line outside a bakery, according to the same sources.
In Rafah, near the Egyptian border, nine Palestinians were killed by tank fire, rescuers said.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on these reports.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued shelling the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, for the fifth consecutive day, according to the hospital’s director, Hussam Abu Safiya. He added that three medical staff members were injured last night, one critically.
“Drones are dropping bombs filled with shrapnel, injuring anyone who dares to move,” said Abu Safiya. “The situation is extremely urgent.”
Destruction and forced evacuations
Residents in three towns—Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun—reported that Israeli forces had demolished dozens of homes. Palestinians have accused the Israeli military of attempting to force evacuations from northern Gaza through relentless shelling and bombings to create a neutral buffer zone.
The Israeli military denies these claims, stating that its actions are aimed at preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping in areas they have previously been cleared from.
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Photo sources: Al Jazeera/BBC
Source: ANA-MPA
