The Israeli military has ordered Palestinians to evacuate several neighbourhoods in Khan Younis, a southern city in Gaza, including areas designated as humanitarian zones. This directive affects around 400,000 people, according to Palestinian civil defence estimates, particularly in the eastern part of Al-Mawasi, where many Palestinians have sought refuge in tents.
The military plans to conduct operations against Hamas militants in Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi, accusing them of launching rockets from these areas. Many residents, already displaced multiple times, are now uncertain where to seek safety. One resident, Osama Qudeih, described the difficulty of finding safe shelter, while Kholoud al-Dadas expressed frustration at the lack of international intervention as she faced her seventh or eighth displacement.
In response to the evacuation order, the military stated it was adjusting the boundaries of the humanitarian zone to protect civilians from combat areas. However, Gaza health officials reported at least 37 deaths and 120 injuries from attacks in and around Khan Younis, with more casualties likely unreachable due to blocked ambulance access.
The local Wafa news agency reported intense bombardments following the evacuation order, with smoke visible over the city’s rooftops. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis is overwhelmed with casualties, as spokesperson Mohammed Sakr described the dire situation with patients being treated on the floor due to a lack of beds and supplies.
The city has already suffered extensive damage from previous fighting, forcing hundreds of thousands to return to seek shelter in makeshift tents. Images depict Palestinians fleeing using cars and donkey carts. The UN and international relief agencies continue to stress that no place in Gaza is truly safe, highlighting previous strikes on designated humanitarian zones like Al-Mawasi.
The conflict has resulted in over 39,000 deaths in Gaza since October 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Recent Israeli attacks have also injured more than 89,000 people. A UN convoy headed to Gaza City was fired upon by Israeli forces, despite being in clearly marked UN vehicles and coordinating with Israeli authorities. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini condemned the attack, and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi labelled it a war crime, criticizing the violation of international law.
Hamas has condemned the attack on Khan Younis via Telegram, as the humanitarian crisis and conflict in Gaza continue to escalate.