Israel Orders Evacuation of Khan Younis as Gaza’s Displaced Population Soars

About 75% of Gaza’s population, roughly 1.8 million people, are now displaced as the Israeli offensive focuses on the southern part of the territory. The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of Khan Younis, the second-largest city in Gaza, as it believes many Hamas leaders are hiding there. Heavy bombardments have been reported, with areas in the north also being targeted. The resumption of fighting has dashed hopes of a temporary truce, and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue until all the war’s goals are achieved. The US has appealed for the protection of civilians and expressed concern about the scale of suffering in Gaza. Meanwhile, the death toll in the area has reached over 15,200, with 70% of the casualties being women and children. The health ministry in Gaza also reported that over 40,000 people have been wounded since the start of the conflict. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors and reclaim the bodies of those buried under the rubble. The situation remains dire as the conflict intensifies in the south of Gaza, leaving the population in constant fear and uncertainty.