Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to 18 others, as reported by local health authorities on Thursday. Medics confirmed casualties from strikes in Bani Suhaila and Abassan towns. Despite Israel’s military acknowledgment of the airstrikes, Hamas and Israel continue to blame each other for violating the truce.
Following the initial strikes, a fifth Palestinian was reported dead due to Israeli gunfire in Abassan. Gaza’s Health Ministry indicated a significant increase in casualties within the past 24 hours, with 32 fatalities, including children and women, marking the highest toll since late October.
Hamas condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and called for intervention from Arab mediators, Turkey, and the United States. Allegations were made against Israel for altering area markings in disputed territories, extending its control beyond agreed-upon boundaries.
Residents witnessed Israeli forces expanding controlled zones and displacing residents in Al-Sha’af, east of Gaza City. Concerns over ongoing violence persist, with Hamas seeking to assert dominance amid fears of territorial partition. The conflict, which originated in 2023, has seen a high number of casualties on both sides, prompting international scrutiny and calls for accountability.