**Israel Targets Southern Gaza City as Conflict Escalates**
On December 3, 2025, Israel launched one of its biggest military operations in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. This comes almost eight weeks after the conflict with Hamas began on October 7. The fighting has since spread from northern Gaza into the south, causing fear and confusion across the region.
The Israeli military dropped leaflets over Khan Younis warning people to leave certain neighborhoods immediately. Soon after, strikes began across the city. According to witnesses, airstrikes, artillery fire, and ground battles are now happening daily. Khan Younis is one of the most crowded places in Gaza, as thousands of people fled from the north to this area earlier in the war.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it is targeting Hamas strongholds and tunnels in the south. Officials from Israel explained that they believe Hamas leaders and fighters are hiding in the southern areas now. The army has told people to evacuate to Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, but aid groups say there is no safe place left to go.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza grows worse each day. United Nations workers report food shortages, lack of water, and very limited medical care. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and fuel to power emergency services is running out. Aid deliveries that resumed during a brief ceasefire last week have once again slowed or stopped due to ongoing attacks.
Hamas said on Tuesday that its fighters are striking back at Israeli tanks entering towns and refugee camps. However, reports from Gaza are hard to verify due to damage to communication lines across the territory.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to meet with Israeli leaders this week. The U.S. has called on Israel to avoid further civilian deaths. At the same time, some Israeli leaders said the war would continue until Hamas is removed from power.
In total, more than 15,000 people in Gaza have died since the start of the conflict, according to Palestinian health officials. Over 70% of them are reported to be women and children. Israel says at least 1,200 of its citizens were killed in Hamas’ initial attack.
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