Israel Orders Mass Evacuation in Khan Younis Ahead of Major Military Offensive

Mon May 19 2025 19:58:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Israel Orders Mass Evacuation in Khan Younis Ahead of Major Military Offensive

Escalating tensions as Israeli forces prepare for an unprecedented strike on Gaza.


The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued an urgent evacuation order for residents in Khan Younis as preparations intensify for what they describe as an "unprecedented attack."

In a significant military escalation, the IDF instructed residents to move towards the al-Mawasi area in west Gaza, labeling the region a "dangerous combat zone." Avichay Adraee, IDF spokesperson, cautioned that "terrorist organizations have brought you disaster," emphasizing the immediate need for safety. This evacuation order marks one of the largest issued in recent weeks amidst ongoing, escalating hostilities.

The latest military assault, dubbed Operation Gideon's Chariots, commenced over the weekend, with hospitals reporting over 100 fatalities in the last day alone. A Khan Younis resident expressed her despair over the evacuation, calling it her "worst nightmare.” Conversely, another evacuee already displaced in central Gaza lamented the futility of moving when there are no safe havens left.

The IDF highlighted its objectives to dismantle the operational capabilities of militant factions in Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that Israel aims to "take control" of all territories within the Strip. As military operations rage on, the IDF reported striking 160 targets in just a 24-hour period.

In a troubling incident, an Israeli airstrike reportedly hit a warehouse of medical supplies at al-Nasser Hospital while casualties from other recent attacks were being treated. Medical Aid for Palestinians condemned the strike and described the destruction of vital humanitarian resources.

In a separate covert operation, Israeli special forces, disguised in women's clothing, were reported to have entered a Khan Younis residence to apprehend individuals linked to militant groups. The targeted individual, Ahmad Sarhan, was killed during the raid.

While Israel’s military continues its offensive under the pretext of achieving war objectives and freeing hostages, families of those taken captive voice concerns regarding the potential escalation of violence putting hostages in greater peril. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum warned that military actions have led to deteriorating conditions for hostages, including increased abuse and reduced sustenance.

On the humanitarian front, after weeks of blockade, Israel announced it would permit a limited amount of food supplies into Gaza. The ongoing conflict erupted following Hamas's attacks on southern Israel on October 7, which led to approximately 1,200 fatalities and left over 200 individuals in captivity. Current estimates indicate that around 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with about 23 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, the human toll of the conflict has escalated dramatically, with over 53,000 Palestinian lives reportedly lost in the military operation.

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