Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza killed at least 19 people overnight, including a senior Hamas leader and several women and children. The military instructed residents to evacuate from part of the city of Rafah on the border with Egypt.
The Israeli military said it would soon operate in the Tel Sultan area of Rafah, which is where Israel launched a major offensive in May. People were ordered to evacuate on foot along a single route to the Mawasi area.
Hamas denied that the evacuation order meant renewed ground operations. However, the military warned that remaining in camps or houses in the affected area would put lives at risk.
At least 17 people were confirmed killed, including several women and children. Two hospitals reported receiving bodies of victims from strikes in Khan Younis and Mawasi. The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said Israeli forces blocked its ambulances from responding to strikes.
Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas ended last week when the country launched a series of airstrikes that killed hundreds of Palestinians. The previous ceasefire began in January after a 15-month war sparked by Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023.
Negotiations for a new truce broke down due to Hamas refusing to release Israeli hostages, which led to renewed airstrikes and violence in Gaza.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/least-19-killed-israeli-strikes-gaza-including-senior-hamas-leader