Israel’s military ordered residents to evacuate from southern Gaza’s Khan Younis region on Monday, warning of an “unprecedented attack” targeting Hamas infrastructure as international leaders condemned the humanitarian situation.
In a post on X, IDF Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee instructed residents of Khan Younis, Bani Suheila and Abasan to “evacuate immediately” to the Mawasi area.
“The IDF will launch an unprecedented attack to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organizations in this area,” Adraee wrote. “From this moment, Khan Younis governorate will be considered a dangerous combat zone.”
The evacuation order follows similar directives issued for central Gaza on Sunday, as Israel expanded its offensive across the territory amid intensified bombardment.
Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that 46 people have been killed by Israeli strikes on Gaza since dawn on Monday, citing local medical sources.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the situation in Gaza as “intolerable” during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“It is a really serious, unacceptable, intolerable situation. That’s why we are working intensely to coordinate with other leaders how we respond to this,” Starmer said.
Von der Leyen added: “For two months now, no humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza. Aid must reach civilians in need immediately, and the blockade must be lifted now. Humanitarian aid must never be politicised.”
World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that “two million people are starving” in Gaza while “tonnes of food is blocked at the border, just minutes away.”
“The risk of famine in Gaza is increasing with the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid,” Ghebreyesus told the opening of the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to allow limited humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“The prime minister is making a grave mistake with this move. Any humanitarian aid that enters the Strip will fuel Hamas and give it oxygen while our hostages languish in tunnels,” Ben-Gvir said.
Netanyahu’s office announced Sunday that Israel would ease its blockade and allow limited food deliveries. Palestinian media reported that 50 trucks carrying flour, cooking oil and legumes would be permitted into Gaza on Monday.
Several aid trucks have been seen at the Kerem Shalom crossing, though no deliveries have been confirmed.
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