HAN YOUNIS, GAZA STRIP — Intense Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, have resulted in devastating casualties, with tents for displaced people consumed by flames following missile strikes. Victims, including children, are being rushed to Nasser Hospital amid reports of severe injuries and fatalities.
The Israeli military has ordered immediate evacuations of Beit Hanoon and Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, ahead of a “large scale” operation.
Palestinian Prisoner’s Society Calls for UN Investigation
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society has urged the United Nations to investigate the “systematic torture of Palestinian detainees,” citing serious abuses in Israeli prisons, including instances of rape.
WHO Warns of Polio Outbreak Amid Ongoing Assault
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza is severely hindering efforts to prevent a catastrophic polio outbreak in the region.
Staggering Casualty Figures
At least 39,677 people have been killed and 91,645 wounded in Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza. In Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, with over 200 taken captive.
Pro-Palestine Protests Disrupt Kamala Harris Rally
In Detroit, pro-Palestine protesters interrupted Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s rally. Chanting “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide. We won’t vote for genocide,” this marked the first such disruption since Harris replaced President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket. Harris responded, defending the principles of democracy and her right to speak.
West Bank Tensions and Settler Violence
Israeli forces demolished the home of slain Palestinian Moamen Fayez al-Masalma in Dura, south of Hebron, destroying a local Palestinian’s vehicle during the raid. Home demolitions are seen as “collective punishment” by human rights groups, potentially amounting to war crimes.
Israeli rights group Yesh Din released footage showing settlers attacking Palestinian homes and cars in Yatma, south of Nablus. The UN reported 1,143 settler attacks on Palestinians since October 7, leading to deaths, injuries, and significant property damage.
Key Developments
Israeli Airstrikes: Bombings in Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, and Abasan al-Kabira have resulted in multiple casualties.
West Bank Raids: Seven Palestinians, including two children, were wounded in Israeli raids on Qalqilya and the Askar refugee camp near Nablus.
Polio Vaccination Campaign: WHO calls for a ceasefire to vaccinate 600,000 children under eight in Gaza.
Iran’s Response: Iran’s UN mission emphasized the need for a “durable ceasefire” in Gaza and retaliation for Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran.
Hezbollah Attacks: Israeli military bombed Sejoud in southern Lebanon, destroying a Hezbollah drone launcher.
Houthi Attack Refuted: Operators of a containership denied Houthi claims of an attack, with the US military confirming the destruction of Houthi drones and missiles in Yemen.
Developing Story: Casualties in Gaza City
One person has been killed, and others are missing following an Israeli strike on a house in Gaza City’s Yarmouk market area. Al Jazeera Arabic has reported the incident, with more details expected to emerge.
Hamas Releases Ambush Video
Al Jazeera Arabic verified a video showing Hamas fighters ambushing Israeli forces with an IED in Khan Younis. The video depicts the preparation and detonation of the device as Israeli troops entered the ambush site.
Protests at Israeli Supreme Court
Protesters disrupted a Supreme Court hearing on allegations of abuse at Sde Teiman prison, where Palestinian prisoners have accused Israeli soldiers of severe torture. After a brief suspension, the court resumed, with judges seeking clarity on prisoner conditions.
State lawyer Aner Helman defended the conditions, claiming adherence to Israeli detention laws. The ACRI’s lawyer contested these claims, citing ongoing abuses since October.
