By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
In a recent escalation of the Israel Gaza conflict, an Israeli airstrike targeted a designated "safe zone" in Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of 12 Palestinians, including nine members of a single family. This incident occurred after the civilians followed Israeli evacuation orders to vacate eastern Khan Younis, according to the Associated Press.
The United Nations estimates that the Israeli military's directive has impacted up to 250,000 people near the southern city of Khan Younis, contributing to the total displacement of 1.9 million individuals in Gaza.
In related developments, the World Health Organization's representative, Rik Peeperkorn, reported that hundreds of sick and wounded people have fled the European Hospital in Khan Younis, leaving only three patients remaining. Peeperkorn urgently appealed for the hospital to be spared from further attacks amid the looming threat of an Israeli ground invasion.
Meanwhile, the occupied West Bank has also witnessed violence, with an Israeli air raid on the Nur Shams refugee camp killing four people. This brings the total number of Palestinian casualties in the area to six within the past 24 hours, including a woman and a child.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, the death toll in Gaza has reached at least 37,925, with 87,141 wounded. In Israel, the death toll from Hamas led attacks is estimated at 1,139, with dozens of individuals still held captive in Gaza.
The situation remains dire, with both sides experiencing significant casualties and humanitarian organizations calling for immediate measures to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.