Israel orders part of Gaza humanitarian zone to be evacuated

Israel has ordered the evacuation of part of a designated humanitarian zone ahead of an operation against fighters that it says have regrouped in the area. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports at least 70 deaths from Israeli strikes in the southern city of Khan Younis.

The Israeli ministry said that there had been “significant terrorist activity and rocket fire” from the eastern part of Khan Younis, telling residents to head to the “adjusted” humanitarian al-Mawasi region. It was followed by heavy bombardment which Israel says has “eliminated terrorists” as well as infrastructure. Hundreds of people were seen fleeing, both on foot and by car.

Gaza’s health ministry reported 70 deaths and over 200 injuries, many of them in serious injuries. They were reportedly brought to the “already overwhelmed” Nasser hospital in the western part of the city as an appeal was launched for blood donations.

Palestine’s Red Crescent meanwhile has claimed that the nearby al-Amal hospital had received an additional 33 injured and five deaths. The medical organisation also reports that its clinics in the towns of Maan and Bani Suhaila, around 2km (1.25 miles) east of Khan Younis, are out of service because of the evacuation order. Officials from Israel however say that the order does not apply to hospitals.

Both medics and residents told Reuters that many of those who died were killed by tank fire in Bani Suhaila. Hamas’ military wing said that it targeted Israeli tanks in the area.