Israel has issued a mass evacuation order for residents of Khan Younis and nearby areas in southern Gaza, warning of an imminent and “unprecedented” military offensive.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) instructed civilians to flee to al-Mawasi, declaring the region a “dangerous combat zone” as it launched a new military operation named Gideon’s Chariots. The military said its goal is to dismantle militant infrastructure, but the humanitarian toll is already mounting—over 100 people have reportedly died within 24 hours, according to hospitals.
Among those displaced is 13-year-old Tasneem Barakeh, separated from her father while he searched for food. “Please God, let the war stop,” she said, tearfully asking for her father’s return.
The evacuation order also affects Bani Suhaila and Abasan. Many fleeing residents described the situation as chaotic and unmanageable, citing a lack of transport, shelter, and resources. “There is no tent for us there… people do not have money to ride a cart,” said Abdallah Abu Shab.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed in a video that Israel would take control of the entire Gaza Strip. The IDF claims to have struck 160 targets, including underground infrastructure and weapons storage sites. But the attacks have also hit civilian sites—seven people were reportedly killed in a school and three in a home.
Medical infrastructure has not been spared. A warehouse at Nasser Hospital holding medical supplies was bombed, prompting aid group Medical Aid for Palestinians to say, “We are just seeing all our work being burned to ashes.”
In a covert operation, Israeli special forces allegedly disguised themselves in women’s clothing to kill a senior militant commander, Ahmad Sarhan, before arresting his wife and child.
While the IDF maintains its campaign is necessary to destroy Hamas and secure the release of hostages, families of those still held captive warn that the strikes are worsening their conditions. A group representing hostage families said former captives have described increased abuse following military action.
Amid global pressure, Israel has agreed to allow a limited amount of food into Gaza after an 11-week blockade. Netanyahu admitted the decision was influenced by appeals from U.S. lawmakers, stating that “we must not reach a situation of famine.”
The war began after Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken. Since then, more than 53,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s ongoing military campaign.