Israeli forces were tightening their grip around the main city of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on Wednesday, engaging in intense combat with Hamas fighters through the streets and buildings. This marks a significant escalation in the two-month-long conflict.
The most recent update from Gaza’s health ministry reported a grim toll, with 16,248 people killed in Gaza, predominantly women and children, as a result of harsh Israeli attacks.
The focal point of the conflict has now shifted to the southern part of the besieged territory. The north has already suffered extensive destruction from intense fighting and bombardment, leading to the displacement of nearly two million people.
Israeli tanks, armored personnel carriers, and bulldozers were observed near the city of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on Tuesday, compelling already displaced civilians to evacuate once again, according to witnesses cited by AFP.
Israel’s army chief, Herzi Halevi, stated late Tuesday, “Our forces are currently encircling the Khan Yunis area in the southern Gaza Strip.” Halevi claimed, without providing evidence, that they have secured many Hamas strongholds in the northern Gaza Strip and are now targeting strongholds in the south.
Tuesday’s fighting was described by the army’s Southern Command chief, Major General Yaron Finkelman, as “the most intense day since the beginning of the ground operation” initiated in late October.
Israel has expressed its determination to dismantle Hamas and free 138 captives who remain in captivity, following the release of numerous prisoners during a brief truce. The Israeli military claimed early Wednesday that several Hamas commanders were killed in an airstrike near the Indonesia Hospital.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad sources informed AFP that their fighters were engaging Israeli troops early Wednesday, attempting to thwart their entry into Khan Yunis and surrounding areas. The Palestinian government media office reported heavy casualties, with dozens of people killed and injured in intense strikes east of Khan Yunis.
