Israel (Washington Insider Magazine) —ground forces have intensified their operations in southern Gaza following three days of relentless bombardment. Initial confirmations from Israeli army radio indicate a full-scale ground assault is underway north of Khan Younis, with verified reports of tanks operating near the city.
Lt. General Herzi Halevi of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) addressed troops, asserting that the military is engaging in “strong and thorough” operations not just in the northern region but now also in the south. An IDF spokesperson later stated that the ground incursion is expanding across Gaza, with troops involved in direct confrontations with Hamas militants.
The resumption of Israel’s extensive bombing campaign comes after a week-long ceasefire, during which Hamas released 110 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians. With the ceasefire concluded, residents in Khan Younis have reported what they describe as the most intense wave of attacks so far.
As hostilities escalate, the Israeli army has issued evacuation orders for several districts in Khan Younis, urging residents to flee immediately, citing concerns that Hamas leadership is hiding in the area. Hundreds of thousands who had previously sought shelter from the fighting in northern Gaza are now facing a precarious situation.
A UN official has reported unprecedented panic within Gaza’s hospitals, with UNICEF’s James Elder describing the Nasser Medical Hospital as a “warzone.” He highlighted the arrival of children suffering from severe injuries, underscoring the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding.
The Hamas-run health ministry has reported over 500 fatalities since the bombing resumed, bringing the total death toll in Gaza to more than 15,500 since the conflict reignited.
The ongoing violence has created a catastrophic situation in Gaza, according to local residents. With dwindling resources and constant attacks, the living conditions are rapidly deteriorating. Mohammed Ghalayini, a British-Palestinian currently in Gaza, described the state of the city as “beyond catastrophic.”
As Israel continues its military operations, the international community watches closely, with calls for restraint and protection of civilians becoming increasingly urgent.
