CAIRO/GAZA. Israeli tanks advanced into the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Friday, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate amid ongoing clashes between Palestinian fighters and Israeli troops, according to local sources and military reports.
In the wake of the latest assault, families in eastern Khan Younis were seen fleeing in vehicles, on foot, and even using donkey carts and motorcycle rickshaws as they navigated congested roadways. Many sought refuge in the Al-Mawasi area, a coastal stretch that had previously been targeted despite being designated a safe zone by Israeli forces.
Displaced resident Ahmed al-Farra expressed frustration and fear: “We don’t know where we are going. To the beach, to Al-Mawasi, any place we can stay at. There is no safe place here. They struck everywhere, they already struck Al-Mawasi and many people were killed. There is no safety, the safety is with God.”
Um Raed Abu Elyan echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We are running from the fire, we are running with our children from fear. God knows where we will go. They said to go to humanitarian areas, but there is no safe place here in Gaza. It is all destroyed and damaged.”
The Israeli military reported targeting numerous sites associated with Hamas militants in Khan Younis and nearby Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Operations included seizing arms depots, destroying infrastructure, and killing dozens of fighters equipped with weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades.
Amid the escalating violence, leaders from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar are making a final push to revive ceasefire talks. A new round of discussions is scheduled for August 15 to address the ongoing conflict and potential for a ceasefire and hostage release. Previous negotiations have failed to secure a lasting truce since a brief one-week ceasefire last November.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed a delegation would attend the upcoming talks but did not provide additional details. Hamas, led by Yahya Sinwar, has not yet commented on the new proposal. The group is reportedly reviewing the talks’ terms with its allies.
The situation remains dire as fears of a broader regional conflict mount. Iran has vowed retaliation following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and Israel has targeted a senior Hezbollah commander in a strike on Beirut.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, when Hamas fighters attacked Israeli towns, resulting in 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages, Israel has carried out extensive operations in Gaza. Israeli forces claim to have killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, with significant damage reported across the enclave. Palestinians argue that despite the widespread devastation, Hamas continues to launch guerrilla attacks and ambushes.
In central Gaza, Israeli tanks have reportedly advanced into the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp, with the territory’s health ministry reporting at least eight Palestinian casualties from recent strikes.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
