The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with the Israeli military intensifying its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. This has resulted in a significant displacement of the Palestinian population, with many fleeing to the southern city of Rafah. The situation has been described as a humanitarian crisis, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties.
The Israeli Defense Forces have encircled Khan Younis, Gaza's second-largest city, pushing Palestinians deeper south and hindering relief efforts. The World Health Organization has been notified to remove supplies from its medical warehouse in southern Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military operation has been met with resistance from Hamas fighters who have reportedly destroyed or damaged Israeli military vehicles. The blame for civilian casualties is disputed, with Israel claiming that Hamas operates in residential areas and uses human shields, while Hamas denies these allegations.
Internationally, the conflict has drawn various reactions. President Biden has called for global condemnation of sexual violence by Hamas. Meanwhile, Qatar's emir has condemned Israel's actions as genocide, and France has frozen assets belonging to Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar. The UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has expressed disappointment in the breakdown of the truce.
Despite the international outcry and the worsening humanitarian situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue with the military operation until 'we achieve all the goals' in eliminating Hamas and securing the release of the hostages.