**Israel Orders Mass Evacuation of Gaza Residents Ahead of “Unprecedented” Attack**
The Israeli military has ordered residents to evacuate the Khan Younis area in Gaza, citing an “unprecedented” attack that is expected to take place soon. This is one of the largest evacuation orders issued by Israel in recent months.
According to Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the area will now be considered a “dangerous battle zone”. He stated that terrorist groups have brought disaster upon the residents and ordered them to evacuate immediately. The operation, named “Gideon’s Chariots”, has already resulted in over 100 deaths in hospitals over the last 24 hours.
Residents who were forced to flee their homes spoke of their desperation and fear. Tasneem, a 13-year-old girl, said that her family was separated while searching for food, leaving her without her father. “Please God, stop the war!” she cried out. Another resident, Abdallah Abu Shab, expressed similar concerns: “What are we going to do? There is nothing there for us.”
**IDF’s Goal: To Destroy Terrorist Capabilities**
The IDF stated that their goal is to destroy the capabilities of terrorist groups in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, announced earlier on Monday that Israel would “take over” Gaza and vowed to make progress.
In a video posted on social media, Netanyahu said that Israel is engaged in massive combat and has made significant progress. He stated that they will take control of every area of the Strip.
**Humanitarian Crisis Worsens**
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. The Hamas-run health authority reported that an Israeli strike killed 7 people at a school in Nuseirat, where displaced families were being housed, and 3 others in a nearby house in Deir Al-Balah.
A charity, Medical Aid for Palestinians, expressed outrage over the destruction of medical supplies stored in a warehouse at the Nasser hospital. The spokesman stated: “We are seeing all our hard work being reduced to ashes.”
**Hostages in Grave Danger**
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum warned that the ongoing operation poses a grave danger to the 58 hostages still being held in Gaza. The group reported that released hosts describe worsened treatment, including physical abuse, restriction of movement, and reduced food.
**Background: Conflict Started in October 2023**
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began with attacks on southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. The war has already claimed more than 53,000 Palestinian lives during Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
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