By In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, the Israeli army has ordered a mass evacuation of Palestinians from much of Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city. This move signals a likely new ground assault into the area, as Israel continues its pursuit of regrouping Hamas militants. The evacuation order covers the eastern half of Khan Younis and a large portion of the Gaza Strip’s southeast corner, areas that had previously seen extensive destruction earlier in the war.
The evacuation has forced many Palestinians, already displaced multiple times, to once again flee their homes. Streams of civilians were seen leaving the area, carrying essential belongings and seeking refuge in the coastal area of Muwasi, designated by the Israeli army as a safe zone. However, this area is already overcrowded with unsanitary tent camps, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This potential new offensive comes as Israel claims progress in destroying Hamas’ capabilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military was advancing towards “ending the phase of the destruction of Hamas’ terror army,” while indicating that operations would continue to target remaining militant elements.
Concurrently, Israel released Mohammed Abu Selmia, the director of Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa, after holding him for seven months without charge or trial. This decision has sparked controversy across Israel’s political spectrum. Abu Selmia’s release raises questions about Israel’s previous claims that Shifa Hospital was used as a Hamas command center, allegations that Palestinian health officials have consistently denied.
Upon his release, Abu Selmia described harsh conditions and torture during his detention, including beatings and inadequate medical care. These allegations, while unconfirmed, align with other accounts from Palestinians held in Israeli custody.
The release of Abu Selmia and 54 other Palestinian detainees appears to be an effort to free up space in overcrowded detention centers. However, it has led to a scramble among various Israeli state organs to shift blame for the decision, with Netanyahu’s office calling it “a grave mistake” and ordering a review of the release process.
The ongoing conflict continues to have devastating humanitarian consequences. Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million population have been displaced, many multiple times. Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting, and the breakdown of public order have severely hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid, leading to widespread hunger and fears of famine.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has renewed calls for a cease-fire. The latest evacuation order underscores the lack of safe havens for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, as the conflict enters yet another potentially destructive phase.
The unfolding events in Khan Younis and the controversy surrounding Abu Selmia’s release highlight the complex and contentious nature of the ongoing conflict, raising further questions about military strategies, humanitarian concerns, and the path to potential resolution in the region.
AP
