Israeli Military Urges Evacuation Amid Intense Gaza Conflict

The Israeli military has requested Palestinians to evacuate southern neighborhoods of Gaza's Khan Younis region for a forceful operation. As fighting continues nine months post-invasion, the Israeli Defense Forces have faced challenges in eliminating militant fighters, resulting in significant casualties and accusations of disproportionate force.

The Israeli military has advised Palestinians to temporarily evacuate southern neighborhoods of Gaza's Khan Younis region for a forceful operation, directing them to a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, a military statement said on Saturday.

Over nine months since Israel's invasion of Gaza began following the Oct. 7 attack, the continued fighting highlights the challenges faced by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in eliminating the militant Islamist group fighters amid their persistent resistance. On Friday, the military reported clashes with Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis and the destruction of tunnels and other infrastructure as they aimed to suppress smaller militant units responsible for mortar fire on Israeli troops.

According to Palestinian official media, at least 14 Palestinians were killed in Khan Younis from Israeli attacks since Saturday morning, with their bodies taken to Nasser Medical Complex. Gaza health authorities report that more than 39,000 Palestinians have died due to Israeli strikes, without distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants.

(With inputs from agencies.)