Israeli forces engaged with Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis, Gaza, destroying tunnels and infrastructure as they aimed to neutralise fighter units responsible for mortar attacks, according to the Israel military on Friday. Palestinian medical sources reported that Israeli strikes in eastern Khan Younis resulted in at least six Palestinian deaths.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated that since the commencement of their latest operation in Khan Younis on Monday, approximately 100 Palestinian fighters had been killed. The IDF noted that an air strike targeted seven small units firing mortars at Israeli troops, and further south in Rafah, four additional fighters were killed in air strikes.
The wing of Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for firing rockets towards Ashkelon and other Israeli towns near Gaza, though no casualties were reported by the Israeli ambulance service.
Despite being over nine months into Israel's invasion of Gaza following the October 7 attack, the ongoing clashes highlight the IDF's challenges in eradicating fighters who have adopted guerrilla warfare tactics in Gaza's devastated areas. A Telegram channel run by Hamas and Islamic Jihad wings indicated intense battles with Israeli forces east of Khan Younis, involving machine guns, mortars, and anti-tank weapons.
US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire. Additionally, Biden and Jordan's King Abdullah discussed efforts for a ceasefire and a hostage deal during a call, emphasising the need for increased humanitarian aid and reforms to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
However, significant progress in negotiations to end the conflict and secure the release of around 115 hostages held in Gaza remains elusive. Statements from Israel and Hamas suggest persistent substantial differences.
Local residents, communicating via messenger app, reported that Israeli tanks had advanced into Bani Suhaila, Al-Zanna, and Al-Karara, east of Khan Younis, destroying several houses in residential areas.
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