Israel has conducted airstrikes in Gaza for a second consecutive day following the collapse of a weeklong truce with Hamas, despite international calls for an extension.
On Saturday, clouds of grey smoke from the bombings lingered over Gaza, where the Hamas-run Ministry of Health reported that nearly 200 people had been killed since the cessation of hostilities ended early on Friday.
Residents are concerned that these recent bombings indicate an impending Israeli ground operation in the southern part of the Palestinian territory. This operation could potentially confine them to a smaller area and even attempt to push them towards Egypt.
Israeli warplanes and artillery targeted the southern region of Gaza, including Khan Younis and Rafah, on Saturday. Thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought shelter there due to the ongoing conflict in the north.
According to residents, houses were hit and three mosques were destroyed in Khan Younis.
Palestinian witnesses reported that Israeli tanks had positioned themselves near the road between Khan Younis and Deir el-Balah.
Samira, a mother of four, described it as “a night of horror.” She said, “It was one of the worst nights we’ve experienced in Khan Younis since we arrived here six weeks ago… We are extremely afraid that they will enter Khan Younis.”
Officials stated that the overall death toll in Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7 has exceeded 15,200, with over 40,000 people injured in the Israeli attacks.
Link from www.aljazeera.com