The Israeli military carried out an operation in Khan Younis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, on Monday. Residents were ordered to evacuate part of the area before the military bombardment began. The attack resulted in a significant number of casualties and injuries, adding to the already devastating impact of the ongoing war in the region.
The military’s stated reason for the operation was to target Hamas militants who were regrouping in Khan Younis. It was reported that Hamas had been using a designated humanitarian zone in the area to launch rocket attacks towards Israel. Prior to the operation, the military had issued warnings to civilians to leave the specified areas in Khan Younis to ensure their safety.
According to local health officials, the assault led to the death of scores of people, with many more wounded and potentially trapped under rubble. The Gazan health ministry reported that 70 bodies were brought to Nasser Hospital, and over 200 individuals were injured. The Palestine Red Crescent also provided medical assistance to numerous casualties in the area.
Dr. Mohammed Saqer, the director general of nursing at Nasser Hospital, described the situation as dire, with a high influx of patients overwhelming the hospital’s resources. The hospital lacked essential supplies such as mattresses, blankets, and syringes, while medical staff faced the challenge of treating severe injuries, including amputations and burns.
The Israeli military confirmed that it conducted strikes on more than 30 sites in eastern Khan Younis, targeting areas used by Hamas for launching attacks. The operation was in response to a projectile launched towards southern Israel from the region on the same day. The conflict in Khan Younis exemplifies the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
