The Israeli military has mandated another mass evacuation in extensive areas around Khan Younis in southern Gaza, announcing that its forces will continue operations there in response to Palestinian rocket fire. Earlier this year, Gaza’s second-largest city, Khan Younis, experienced widespread destruction due to air and ground operations.
Israeli forces have consistently returned to the heavily destroyed regions of Gaza, sites of previous intense battles against Hamas and other militant groups since the onset of the 10-month-old war.
Gaza is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on aid and ongoing fighting, which limits access to essential resources such as food, medical supplies, and other necessities. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that the death toll in the territory is nearing 40,000.
Tensions in the region have escalated since Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed on July 31 in Iran, allegedly by an Israeli strike. Retaliation has been anticipated, and the situation remains volatile. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a phone call to take all necessary measures to prevent a new military escalation, emphasizing the potential for lasting regional instability.
World leaders have been advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden discussed hopes for de-escalating Middle East tensions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned his Cabinet over the weekend that Israel is already engaged in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies.
Foreign powers, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, involved in brokering a potential cease-fire and reducing hostilities in Gaza, have collectively urged Israel and Hamas to return to the negotiation table next week. Their joint statement emphasized the importance of dialogue in achieving peace and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
AP
