Thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes as Israeli forces launch a new offensive in densely populated towns in southern and central Gaza.
Residents said Sunday that heavy fighting could be heard in areas east of the southern city of Khan Younis, where the Israeli army operates. The attacks have driven thousands of families from their homes to crowded areas such as al-Mawasi in the west or Deir el-Balah in the north.
Gaza health officials said military strikes had killed 66 Palestinians in the enclave over the past 24 hours, as Israeli tanks advanced deeper into the towns of al-Karara (Kissufuim), az-Zanna and Bani Suheila, east of the city.
The Israeli military said the raid in eastern Khan Younis in recent days was a response to renewed attacks, including rocket fire, from those areas, and aimed at preventing Hamas from regrouping. It said its forces killed dozens of fighters in the area and destroyed military infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, Israeli forces have advanced deep into the northern parts of the city, which they have not yet taken full control of.
Palestinians were also forced to flee to the central Gaza Strip – including Bureij camp, Nuseirat camp and the village of Juhor ad-Dik – after tanks shelled the area and the army issued new evacuation orders.
The UN refugee agency (UNRWA) said 86 percent of the Gaza Strip is now under such orders.
At least 39,324 people have been killed and 90,830 injured in Israel’s war on Gaza. An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel in attacks by Hamas on October 7, and more than 200 were captured.