Israel Orders Urgent Evacuation of Khan Younis Ahead of Major Offensive

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have instructed residents of Khan Younis to evacuate immediately, citing preparations for an unprecedented military assault aimed at neutralizing terrorist organizations in the region. As violence escalates, concerns grow for civilians caught in the conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a critical evacuation order for the residents of Khan Younis, indicating preparations for an unprecedented military operation in the Gaza Strip. This call to evacuate directs civilians to move towards al-Mawasi in the west, marking one of the largest such orders seen in recent months.

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee conveyed the urgency of the situation in an Arabic statement, urging civilians to evacuate "immediately" as the area is classified as a "dangerous combat zone." The military's reinforced offensive, labeled Operation Gideon's Chariots, commenced over the weekend, and reports indicate that over 100 individuals have died in airstrikes within the last 24 hours.

Local residents shared their struggles as they face yet another evacuation. One woman described the order as her "worst nightmare," while another, already displaced in central Gaza, expressed the despair of having nowhere else to turn.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated that the military's mission is to "take control" of the entirety of Gaza, stating in a recent video that significant progress was being made amid ongoing clashes. In the past day alone, IDF officials reported targeting 160 sites within the Gaza Strip.

Among the strikes was an attack on a warehouse at Nasser Hospital, causing significant concern among humanitarian organizations. Medical Aid for Palestinians condemned the strike, remarking that it coincided with the treatment of previously injured civilians being brought into the hospital, further complicating an already dire healthcare situation.

Reports have emerged of Israeli special forces operating undercover in Khan Younis, resulting in the death of Ahmad Sarhan, a prominent member of the Popular Resistance Committees, along with the arrest of his family.

While the IDF continues to assert that these operations aim to secure the objectives of the ongoing war—including releasing hostages—families of those still captive warned that military actions might exacerbate the conditions for those held. They revealed concerning testimonies that indicate worsened treatment for hostages following military strikes, including increased abuse and reduced food access.

As part of its response to the humanitarian crisis, Israel announced that it would permit a limited amount of food to enter Gaza, aiming to prevent a starvation crisis amidst ongoing blockades that lasted over ten weeks. The current conflict, ignited by Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the capture of over 250 hostages, with around 58 remaining held in Gaza. Tragically, over 53,000 Palestinians have also been reported killed in the ensuing military campaign.