Intensification of Battles in Southern Gaza as Israeli Tanks Continue Their Incursion

Israel continued its campaign against the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement (Hamas) in Khan Younis in southern Gaza today, Saturday, as displaced Palestinians seeking refuge in the northern part of the devastated enclave suffered from severe weather conditions. Residents reported heavy gunfire from the air and tanks across Khan Younis, which has become the focal point of the Israeli ground attack on Hamas, particularly around two major hospitals there. Hamas stated that its fighters fired an anti-tank missile at an Israeli tank in southwestern Khan Younis. The Israeli army reported that it killed at least 11 militants who were attempting to plant explosives near its troops, as well as others firing bullets and rockets at soldiers in Khan Younis. It added that special forces killed more than 100 militants last week and raided weapons caches. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement stated that its fighters engaged with Israeli forces in the area and fired rockets into Israel. The Gaza health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes hit the vicinity of Nasser Hospital, the largest functioning medical facility in the south, and Al-Amal Hospital, where one displaced person was killed in the hospital's courtyard, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra stated that the Israeli bombardment threatens healthcare and endangers the lives of doctors, patients, and the displaced. The Israeli army claims to be in contact with the directors and medical staff of both hospitals via phone and on the ground to ensure they are operational and accessible to residents. Israel alleges that Hamas operates within and around medical facilities, a claim that the movement denies. In Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population is currently sheltering in shelters and tents, the Gaza health ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike led to the deaths of three individuals in a house there. The identities of the victims remain unclear, and there has yet to be a comment from the Israeli army. In the occupied West Bank, residents reported that a man was killed in a shootout with Israeli forces near Jenin.