In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, residents have experienced a night of intense air strikes by Israel, marking one of the most severe bombardments since the offensive began. Videos capturing the sky being lit up with flames and the sounds of bombings and gunfire echoed throughout the city. As the fighting draws closer, displaced families are fleeing local hospitals. Simultaneously, a Qatari-mediated deal is being orchestrated to send medicines to Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for increased aid for Palestinian civilians. The United States, represented by an envoy, has joined the discussions regarding a possible new hostage release deal. Amidst the chaos, Yasser Zaqzouq, who sought refuge at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis with his family, expressed his fear, stating, “This is the loudest sound of armed clashes [between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters] that I’ve ever heard…We were in terror. All the kids were screaming and crying.” Tariq Dahlan, a local journalist, emphasized the panic among displaced individuals at the hospital, with many attempting to flee the area without knowing their destination or what may befall them.
The situation is dire, with Israeli tanks reported to be only meters away from the hospital. Furthermore, the Jordanian army confirmed that its military field hospital in Khan Younis sustained significant damage due to Israeli shelling, holding Israel accountable for violating international law. The United Nations warns that the war has resulted in the displacement of approximately 85% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people. Many individuals now reside in overcrowded shelters, struggling to obtain essential supplies. UN special rapporteurs issued a joint statement, revealing the alarming reality: “Currently, every single person in Gaza is hungry, a quarter of the population are starving and struggling to find food and drinkable water, and famine is imminent.”
Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated that the intense phase of military operations against Hamas will soon conclude in the south of Gaza, including Khan Younis, where local leaders of the armed group may be hiding. Gallant mentioned that the military has shifted towards more targeted actions in the north, where it initially initiated its ground offensive. However, the return of Israeli tanks to parts of the north that were previously vacated by ground forces has caused some Gazans to reconsider their plans of returning home. Israeli military officials have warned that the conflict will persist for months.
Regarding the hostage situation, Qatar has announced that medicines are being flown from Doha to El-Arish in northern Egypt to subsequently reach Gaza. This initiative is part of the deal brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas. Although logistical issues caused delays, it remains unclear how the medicines will be delivered to the remaining 45 Israeli hostages. These hostages are reportedly experiencing chronic illnesses or requiring vital medications. The involvement of Qatari representatives in the Gaza Strip and potentially the International Committee of the Red Cross is expected. The agreement also includes a significant increase in medical supplies for Palestinians.
In terms of progress towards a hostage release deal, Washington expressed optimism that an agreement could soon be reached. Key mediators, Qatar and Egypt, have presented plans that would result in the release of hostages in exchange for a cease-fire. Meanwhile, the turmoil continues to unfold, with both Israel and Hamas grappling for control and the lives and well-being of innocent civilians hanging in the balance.
Israel intensifies air strikes in the south of Gaza city while hostages are sent medicine
