In a significant escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, reported that they targeted five Israeli vehicles in Rafah on Monday. This attack coincided with an expansion of Israeli military operations in Khan Yunis, leading to intense clashes between the Palestinian resistance and Israeli forces. The Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for targeting three Merkava tanks, a troop carrier, and a military bulldozer in the Tal Al-Sultan neighborhood, illustrating the ongoing conflict's ferocity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's orders to intensify military actions in Rafah and Khan Yunis come amid efforts to pressure Hamas into accepting a new American proposal for an exchange deal. Eyewitness reports indicate that Israeli forces have made significant advances, reaching the coastal road north of Khan Yunis, effectively isolating the city. The situation has led to warnings for residents to evacuate, resulting in mass displacement as tens of thousands flee the violence.
As clashes rage on, reports from both Palestinian and Israeli media highlight the severe toll on civilians and military personnel alike. Medical sources indicate that at least 18 people were killed in ongoing Israeli airstrikes across central and southern Gaza, with the death toll continuing to rise. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that since the onset of the conflict, over 40,139 Palestinians have been killed, with many more injured. The humanitarian crisis deepens as the region grapples with the consequences of relentless military operations.
