Israeli Tanks Move into Gaza Killing 20 People

According to the reports on Thursday (5 December), Israeli tanks advanced into the northern parts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Wednesday (4 December), following the issuance of new evacuation orders by the Israeli military. The military claimed the evacuation was necessary due to rocket launches from the area. As shells fell near residential zones, many families were forced to flee their homes and head towards the humanitarian area of Al-Mawasi.

Airstrikes continued to devastate Gaza, with medics reporting that at least 20 Palestinians were killed across the enclave. Eleven of the deaths occurred in central Gaza, including six children and a medic, who were killed in three separate airstrikes. In addition, a tank fire in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, claimed another nine lives.

The ongoing violence also targeted medical facilities, with Israeli forces attacking Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya for the fifth consecutive day. The hospital’s director reported that three medical staff members were injured, one critically. Drones also dropped bombs filled with shrapnel, posing an extreme danger to anyone attempting to move or assist the wounded.

In northern Gaza, Israeli forces were accused of blowing up dozens of houses in towns like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, with Palestinians claiming the military is trying to create a buffer zone by forcing evacuations. The Israeli army, however, denies these claims and states it aims to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping. The conflict has continued since October 2023, with devastating consequences, leaving over 44,400 Palestinians dead and much of Gaza in ruins.

References

• Israeli Tanks Advance in Gaza Killing 20 Amid Heavy Bombardment