In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israeli forces have launched a comprehensive operation in the western part of Khan Younis in what is turning out to be the most intense confrontation in Gaza this year. The military action, involving a deep incursion into the densely populated area, has resulted in unprecedented clashes amidst an area packed with people due to the displacement of Palestinians from areas in the north.
On Monday, Israeli troops made their first foray into the Al-Mawasi district, strategically positioned near the Mediterranean coast. This operation included a forceful entry into Al-Khair hospital, with reports from the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson, Ashraf al-Qidra, indicating the detention of medical staff. In the recent past, it was revealed that many people employed in Gaza hospitals are active members of Hamas. In Shifa hospital, as Israeli forces were operating underneath the facility mapping out the massive tunnel complex, many of the hospital staff were in-fact Hamas militants dressed in scrubs. As of now, the situation at the hospital remains unreported by Israeli officials, with the military spokesperson's office withholding comments.
Breaking now: As I posted last night, the movement of the IDF in Khan Yunis, Gaza, has accelerated; IDF is now West of the city (IDF tanks can be seen in the video), which means they are about to finish encircling the town. IDF announced they have broken 3 out of the 4 Hamas… pic.twitter.com/ZRXTV64UyD
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) January 22, 2024
Simultaneously, another healthcare facility in Khan Younis, Al-Amal Hospital, was encircled by tanks, severing communications and raising concerns about the accessibility of emergency services. The Palestinian Red Crescent, which has used their ambulances, staff and office facilities to aid Hamas in hiding and even transporting hostages, has confirmed the loss of contact with their team at the hospital. So far, most medical facilities discovered in Gaza have been connected to tunnel entrances, and even served as weapons storage facilities, with rocket, RPG, grenade and gun caches having been discovered.
The intensity of the conflict in the region is palpable, with civilians caught in a dire situation. Footage from the scene paints a grim picture of a deserted city, with the few remaining residents navigating a landscape marred by continuous bombardment and destruction. This escalation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, with Israeli tanks advancing towards the coast, signifying a new phase in military strategy.
Palestinian media reports that @IDF reached west #KhanYunis ! Idf forces surrond Al-Khair & Nasser hospitals. #HamasTerrorists & Civilians are running towards #Rafah. #Hamas_is_ISIS is losing and took for sure some of the Israeli hostages to #Rafah. #October7Massacres pic.twitter.com/HDOTZDcC6v
— Shmuel Shalom שמואל שלום سمؤال عبد السلام (@ShmuelShalom) January 22, 2024
The Israeli offensive, initially launched to neutralize the threat posed by Hamas following the October 7 attacks, has resulted in civilian casualties. According to Hamas's health authorities, the death toll since the beginning of the conflict has risen to over 25,000 without distinguishing between combatants and civilians. According to independent sources, it is estimated that over 12,000 Hamas fighters have been killed in addition to a few thousand Islamic Jihad and other militant group fighters.
This latest operation is perceived by Israeli officials as a critical step in their broader military campaign, aimed at decisively weakening Hamas. However, the feasibility of this objective has been the subject of intense debate in Israel and Western countries given the complex organizational structure and deep-seated presence of Hamas in Gaza.
This is where Hamas held hostages.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 21, 2024
IDF soldiers operated in a tunnel located at the heart of a civilian area in Khan Yunis that was used to hold about 20 hostages at different times. The tunnel was about 830 meters long and about 20 meters deep.
We cannot and will not rest… pic.twitter.com/fDxLNr6lXb
The Israeli public, while largely supportive of the military's actions, is increasingly vocal about the need for a resolution, particularly concerning the fate of hostages held in Gaza. This sentiment was evident in a recent incident where relatives of hostages disrupted a parliamentary session, demanding more effective government action.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the concerns of these families, dismissed rumors of a potential ceasefire deal involving the release of hostages. Meanwhile, Sami al-Zuhri, a prominent figure in Hamas' political wing, expressed openness to dialogue, stipulating that any agreement must entail an end to hostilities and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
This complex and evolving situation in Gaza highlights the intricate dynamics of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, with significant implications for regional stability and the humanitarian situation on the ground.
