‘Mass Casualties’ as UN Shelter Hit During Intense Khan Younis Fighting

On Wednesday, the United Nations reported that a building in Khan Younis, housing numerous displaced persons, was struck by Israeli tank fire. This incident occurred amidst increased Israeli military actions in southern Gaza, causing many Palestinians to flee the area.

CNN obtained footage showing thick smoke emanating from a blaze at the UNRWA Khan Younis Training Center, a UN shelter in the city. Thomas White, director of UNRWA Affairs, described the situation as dire, with buildings on fire and mass casualties. He mentioned that access to the center had been blocked for two days, leaving people trapped. According to White, at least nine people died and 75 were injured in the incident, which affected a building sheltering 800 people. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that the Khan Younis Training Center, one of the largest UNRWA facilities in Gaza, was accommodating 30,000 people and was clearly marked as a UN site.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to the incident, stating that they had ruled out the involvement of their aerial or artillery strike “currently.” They are investigating the possibility that the strike was a result of Hamas fire and are conducting a thorough review of the operations in the area.

Over the past week, Israeli forces have intensified their attacks on Khan Younis, affecting medical facilities and civilian shelters. The IDF claims that Hamas militants are located in hospitals in the area. The siege has hindered critical humanitarian operations, according to relief agencies.

The IDF’s campaign in Gaza aims to eliminate Hamas following attacks by the militant group on October 7, which, according to Israeli authorities, resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 kidnappings in Israel. The Israeli military’s operations have severely impacted Gaza, with widespread destruction leading to shortages of food, fuel, water, and exposing over 2.2 million civilians to extreme conditions.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern about the harsh conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza, struggling with inadequate shelter, heating, sanitation, food, and drinkable water.

The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that Israeli attacks have killed at least 25,700 people and injured another 63,740, although these figures have not been independently verified by CNN due to the challenges of reporting in a war zone.

Palestinian health officials and paramedics have reported attacks by Israeli tanks and drones around the Amal and Nasser hospitals in Khan Younis. The Hamas-run health ministry stated that Israeli forces have encircled the Nasser Medical Complex, cutting off essential medical, food, and fuel supplies. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that Israeli forces are surrounding their headquarters and the Al-Amal Hospital, enforcing movement restrictions around both sites.

Additionally, the PRCS stated that six people were killed in attacks on Khan Younis on Wednesday, including three at the entrance of their headquarters. Israeli tanks have also surrounded the Al-Aqsa University compound in the city, where thousands are sheltering.

The IDF continues operations in Khan Younis, targeting military objectives, infrastructure, and command centers. The IDF stated that they will continue the operation for several days to maximize their achievements against Hamas.

Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, moving towards Rafah near the Egyptian border. The UN reports that 1.3 million people have been displaced. A CNN video shows displaced individuals heading towards the coast, as instructed by the IDF, transporting essential belongings and often walking.

Hisham Sayegh and Jamal al Rozzi, a displaced aid worker, both recounted the severe conditions and dangers that forced them to flee the area.