Israel Orders Evacuation in Khan Younis Ahead of Expanded Gaza Offensive

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have ordered immediate evacuations in four blocks of Khan Younis in southern Gaza ahead of a planned ground offensive, instructing civilians to move westward to the Al-Mawasi zone. The evacuation order, communicated by IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee on X, emphasizes the use of 'extreme force' in targeted areas while exempting Al-Amal Hospital. However, Al-Mawasi, the designated refuge area, lacks basic infrastructure and has itself been subjected to Israeli airstrikes, raising concerns about the safety and humanitarian conditions for displaced Palestinians. The escalation follows a directive to widen military operations in both northern and southern Gaza, including strikes on Hamas command centers. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights criticized the evacuations as failing to meet international humanitarian law standards, citing inadequate shelter and basic needs for those displaced. Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in extensive casualties and displacement, with ongoing international calls for a ceasefire largely unheeded.