Israel’s military ordered the evacuation of a crowded part of Gaza designated as a humanitarian zone on Saturday, signaling plans for an operation against Hamas militants in Khan Younis. The targeted area includes parts of Muwasi, a makeshift tent camp where thousands have sought refuge. This evacuation order follows rocket fire that Israel claims originated from the area. It marks the second evacuation order in a week for a region intended to provide sanctuary for Palestinians fleeing other parts of Gaza. Many Palestinians have been displaced multiple times during Israel’s extensive air and ground campaign.
Airstrikes and Casualties
Following the evacuation order on Monday, Israeli airstrikes around Khan Younis resulted in at least 70 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, citing figures from Nasser Hospital. This region is part of a 60-square-kilometer “humanitarian zone” where Israel has directed Palestinians to seek refuge throughout the conflict. The area, largely composed of tent camps, lacks adequate sanitation, medical facilities, and has limited access to aid, according to the United Nations and humanitarian organizations. Israel estimates about 1.8 million Palestinians, more than half of Gaza’s pre-war population of 2.3 million, are sheltering in the zone.
Casualties and Displacement
The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 39,100 Palestinians, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians in its count. The United Nations estimated in February that approximately 17,000 children in Gaza are now unaccompanied, a number likely to have increased since.
The war began on October 7 with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250 hostages. According to Israeli authorities, about 115 hostages are still in Gaza, with approximately one-third believed to be deceased.