Israeli Tanks Reach Central Khan Yunis

Israeli tanks made their way into the heart of Khan Yunis today, Sunday, marking a significant incursion into the largest city in southern Gaza, which hosts hundreds of thousands of civilians who have fled from other areas of the strip. Residents reported that the tanks reached the main road linking the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip through central Khan Yunis after intense fighting throughout the night slowed the Israeli advance from the east. Warplanes bombed the area west of the assault. The air was filled with the sound of ongoing explosions, and thick plumes of white smoke rose over the city.

In northern Gaza, where Israel previously stated that its forces had largely completed their missions, residents also reported some of the fiercest battles of the war so far. Israeli forces are advancing into strongholds of fighters and facing fierce resistance in Jabalia and Shuja'iyya in Gaza City, areas that remain populated despite previous evacuation orders for the entire northern region issued weeks ago.

Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas after armed fighters breached the border fence and attacked towns in southern Israel on October 7. Israel claims that the attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 240 hostages into Gaza. Health authorities in Gaza report that at least 17,700 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since then, with thousands more missing and believed to have died under the rubble. The casualty numbers no longer include figures from the northern parts of the strip, which are out of reach for ambulances and where hospitals have ceased operations.

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