Israeli tanks moved into northern areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Wednesday, while Palestinian medics reported that airstrikes and shelling across the enclave killed at least 20 people.
The incursion follows new evacuation orders from the Israeli military, which cited rocket fire from the area. As shells landed near residential zones, families fled westward to Al-Mawasi, a humanitarian safe zone.
Medics confirmed 11 fatalities in central Gaza, including six children and a healthcare worker, with five victims killed while waiting outside a bakery. Another nine Palestinians reportedly died from tank fire in Rafah, near the Egyptian border.
Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza faced its fifth consecutive day of shelling, according to hospital director Hussam Abu Safiya. Three medical staff members were injured, one critically, during the bombardments. “The situation is dire,” Abu Safiya said, describing drones releasing shrapnel-filled bombs targeting anyone who moved.
Residents in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun reported widespread destruction, claiming dozens of homes were demolished. Palestinians accuse the Israeli military of attempting to create a buffer zone through forced evacuations and relentless strikes. The military denies this, asserting its operations aim to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping in cleared areas.
The conflict traces back to Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israel launched a campaign that has resulted in over 44,400 Palestinian deaths, thousands of injuries, and large-scale destruction across Gaza.
While a recent ceasefire halted hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon, fighting in Gaza continues unabated.