The Palestinian city of Khan Younis was hit by heavy airstrikes overnight, as Israel continued its escalated military campaign across the Gaza Strip.
According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA on Monday, 17 people were killed in the coastal enclave during the night. No further details were initially provided on the identities of the victims.
Medical sources in Gaza reported that at least six individuals died and dozens were injured in the airstrikes on Khan Younis. Witnesses told dpa that approximately 30 airstrikes were launched in the area.
Large parts of the city experienced internet outages amid the bombardment.
Reports from WAFA and other Palestinian media indicated that a special unit of the Israeli army killed a commander of the al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades, a group allied with the Islamist movement Hamas. This information could not be independently confirmed.
The Israeli military stated that it “did all it can to avoid civilian casualties when attacking targets belonging to Hamas or other terrorist organizations.”
This claim also could not be independently verified, as journalists have very limited access to the region.
The Israeli Air Force has conducted widespread aerial assaults on Gaza Strip targets in recent days. On Sunday, Israel announced a new “extensive” ground operation throughout the territory.
Dozens of Palestinian fatalities continue to be reported daily from the Gaza Strip.
(dpa/NAN)
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