Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip – Israeli forces launched a series of attacks on Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip early Friday morning, according to reports from the ground. The assault involved aerial bombardments, artillery shelling, and heavy gunfire targeting areas east of the city.
Witnesses reported that the Bani Suheila area, located east of Khan Yunis, also came under heavy fire. This region is within the designated ‘yellow line,’ areas from which Israeli forces were purportedly withdrawn following a ceasefire agreement that ended over two years of intense conflict.
Al-Aqsa TV reported that the artillery strikes on eastern Khan Yunis resulted in at least three fatalities, including one woman. Additionally, Israeli naval vessels allegedly opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats operating off the coast of Khan Yunis.
Further reports indicate that Israeli forces conducted an airstrike on Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. In the Shuja’iyya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, an airstrike also occurred, with plumes of smoke rising from the affected areas.
These actions represent a continued violation of the ceasefire agreement established on October 10th, with reports of civilian areas targeted and Palestinians coming under fire. The Gaza Health Ministry stated on Thursday that Israeli violations of the ceasefire have resulted in approximately 395 Palestinian deaths and 1,088 injuries.
The Ministry further reports that the ongoing Israeli offensive, which began on October 7th, 2023, has led to a total of 70,669 Palestinian fatalities and 171,165 injuries. The conflict, which began in October 2023 and lasted for two years, has caused widespread devastation, with an estimated 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure damaged. The United Nations estimates the cost of reconstruction to be approximately $70 billion.
