Israeli military launches new offensive in west of Khan Younis

The IDF and Shin Bet said the military launched a new offensive against Hamas in the Al-Amal neighbourhood of southern Gaza’s Khan Younis overnight.

The raid, led by the 98th Division, is aimed at “continuing dismantling the terror infrastructure and eliminating terrorists in the area,” the IDF says, The Times of Israel reports.

As the operation began, Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes against some 40 Hamas targets in the area, including buildings used by the terror group, tunnels, and additional infrastructure, according to the IDF.

The IDF says the division’s Commando Brigade, Givati Infantry Brigade, and 7th Armored Brigade then encircled Al-Amal, where they are currently battling Hamas gunmen.

The IDF previously operated in the al-Amal area last month.

Meanwhile, IDF units - the 7th Armored Brigade and the 900th Kfir Infantry Brigade - continue to operate in the city of Al-Qarara, located north of Khan Younis. The military discovered and destroyed weapons depots and Hamas facilities here.

In turn, the Al Jazeera television channel reported that Israeli warplanes have carried out strikes on Khan Younis, with explosions and gunfire reported near the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza City. At least 14 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes overnight on Rafah and Deir el-Balah.