Israeli Military Urges Gaza Evacuations Amidst Ongoing Conflict

The Israeli military has urged Palestinians to evacuate the southern neighborhoods of Gaza's Khan Younis for 'forceful operations'. The conflict has persisted for over nine months since Israel's invasion post the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack. More than 39,000 Palestinians and around 1,200 Israelis have been killed, sparking accusations of disproportionate force.

The Israeli military has called for Palestinians to evacuate southern neighborhoods of Gaza's Khan Younis temporarily, to allow for 'forceful operations' in the area. The military advised relocation to a humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi, according to a statement released on Saturday.

The ongoing conflict, which has lasted for more than nine months following Israel's invasion post the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack, continues to underline the challenges faced by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in eradicating fighters from the militant Islamist group amid persistent resistance.

On Friday, the military reported clashes with Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis, during which they destroyed tunnels and infrastructure in an effort to suppress small militant units continuing to target troops with mortar fire. Gaza health authorities report over 39,000 Palestinians killed, while Israeli officials estimate 14,000 militant fighters captured or killed.

U.N. and humanitarian officials accuse Israel of deploying disproportionate force, allegations Israel denies, blaming Hamas for using civilian areas as cover. The Oct. 7 attack by Hamas resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages.

(With inputs from agencies.)