Gaza Strip – The Israeli army has issued a mass evacuation order for Palestinians in much of Khan Younis, indicating a potential new ground assault into the second-largest city in the Gaza Strip. This move suggests that Israel is targeting areas in Gaza previously invaded during the conflict with Hamas militants. Khan Younis, which suffered extensive destruction earlier this year, saw a large number of residents return to escape previous Israeli offensives in the city of Rafah.
The evacuation order comes as the director of Gaza’s largest hospital, Mohammed Abu Selmia, was released after seven months of detention without charge or trial. Israel claimed the hospital was used as a Hamas command center, an accusation denied by Abu Selmia and other Palestinian health officials. He described the harsh conditions and alleged torture during his detention.
The release of Abu Selmia sparked controversy across Israel’s political spectrum, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office labeling it a “grave mistake.” The decision raised doubts about Israel’s claims regarding Shifa Hospital, which has been targeted multiple times by Israeli forces. Despite Israel’s assertion of progress in dismantling Hamas, ongoing conflicts indicate the group’s enduring capabilities.
The evacuation order for Khan Younis, covering the eastern half of the city and a significant portion of the southeast corner of the Gaza Strip, followed rocket attacks from the area. As civilians evacuated the zone, moving towards designated safe areas, concerns about access to essential resources such as water and critical aid routes emerged. The continuous displacement of Gaza’s population, compounded by Israeli restrictions and fighting, has exacerbated humanitarian crises.
The situation in Khan Younis echoes recent events in the north Gaza district of Shijaiyah, where evacuations were followed by intense fighting. The reoccurring pattern of raids and displacements highlights the precarious state faced by Palestinian civilians in Gaza. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a ceasefire, emphasizing the insecurity and suffering experienced by Gazans amidst the ongoing conflict.
The release of Abu Selmia and other detainees aimed at alleviating overcrowded detention centers in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been held without due process. Allegations of torture and inhumane treatment in Israeli custody have surfaced, echoing similar accounts from other detainees. Despite conflicting narratives surrounding Shifa Hospital and Hamas involvement, the impact of these accusations on civilians and healthcare services remains a concern.
Israel’s offensive against Hamas has resulted in significant casualties, with conflicting reports on the number of civilians and fighters killed. The complexities of the conflict, including competing narratives and the humanitarian toll on Gaza’s population, underscore the challenges facing both Israeli and Palestinian authorities in reaching a resolution. The ongoing cycle of violence and displacement in Gaza continues to fuel international calls for a sustainable peace agreement.