Israel Intensifies Strikes on Khan Younis and Rafah Despite Ceasefire

Residents of Gaza Strip have reported intensified Israeli air and ground attacks on parts of the territory’s south, despite the announcement of an official ceasefire between the warring parties.

According to local sources, Israeli warplanes carried out at least ten airstrikes targeting areas within the yellow line in eastern Khan Younis. Simultaneously, Israeli army artillery shelled sections of the city’s southern neighborhoods.

Palestinian sources also stated that Israeli forces destroyed civilian homes in southeastern Khan Younis during the operation. The city of Rafah also came under heavy artillery fire from Israeli forces.

Reports indicate that the Israeli military has established a “ring of fire” in eastern Khan Younis as it intensifies operations in the area, raising fears of a possible escalation in fighting.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s government media office claimed that Israeli forces have violated the ceasefire agreement 497 times since it was announced. These repeated violations have cast doubt over Israel’s commitment to the truce in the eyes of the public.

The renewed attacks come despite multiple international appeals for an end to the conflict and for all sides to adhere to the ceasefire. Israel’s continued aggression has been seen as a disregard for humanitarian and human rights principles in the ongoing Gaza conflict.