In one of its largest evacuation orders in recent months, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has directed residents of Khan Younis and surrounding areas to evacuate immediately, warning of an “unprecedented attack” as it intensifies its military campaign in southern Gaza.
Khan Younis Faces Large-Scale Evacuation Order by IDF
The order affects residents of Khan Younis, Bani Suhaila, and Abasan, urging them to flee westward toward the coastal area of al-Mawasi. An Arabic statement issued by IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee declared the region a “dangerous combat zone” and blamed “terrorist organizations” for the suffering of civilians. “For your safety, evacuate immediately,” the statement read.
Ongoing Gaza Offensive: Operation Gideon’s Chariots
The latest military push, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, began on Friday. Health authorities in Gaza reported that over 100 people have been killed in the past 24 hours. Among the victims were seven civilians sheltering at a school in Nuseirat and three others in a home in Deir Al-Balah. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike hit a warehouse at Nasser Hospital containing medical supplies, causing further strain on the already overwhelmed healthcare system.
Humanitarian concerns are mounting as displaced residents recount the chaos of the evacuation. Thirteen-year-old Tasneem Barakeh, forced to flee without her father who had gone out to find food, pleaded, “Please God, let the war stop. Where is my father?” Another resident, Abdallah Abu Shab, said, “There is no tent for us there or anything. There isn’t any transportation, and people do not have money to ride a cart.”
Israel’s Goal: Full Control of Gaza Starting From Khan Younis
Despite the increasing toll, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the government’s goal of taking “control of all areas of the Strip.” In a video message, he said, “We are engaged in massive fighting intense and substantial and there is progress.”
The IDF claims it has struck 160 targets in Gaza within the past day, including anti-tank positions, underground infrastructure, and weapons storage sites. Meanwhile, allegations have emerged that Israeli special forces entered a Khan Younis home disguised as women and killed a senior militant leader.
Hostage Situation and Growing Concerns
As military operations escalate, pressure mounts over the fate of the remaining 58 hostages in Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed grave concern, warning that increased strikes have worsened treatment of hostages.
More than 53,000 Palestinians have died since Israel’s campaign began in response to Hamas’s October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostage takings.
