The Israeli army has ordered a mass evacuation of Palestinians from the eastern half of Khan Younis.
Monday’s order is a sign that Israeli troops could soon return to the southern city – the second-largest in Gaza.
Israel wrapped up an offensive in Khan Younis earlier this year and withdrew most of its forces.
The evacuation order indicates that Hamas has regrouped in the area. Israel has said it is in the final stages of an offensive in the nearby Gaza city of Rafah, and there has been heavy fighting in recent days in parts of Gaza City in the north.
Earlier Monday, Israel released 55 Palestinians whom it had detained from Gaza, including the director of the territory’s main hospital, Mohammed Abu Selmia, who was freed without charge or trial after being detained in November when Israeli forces raided Shifa Hospital.
In video comments aired by Palestinian media following his release, Abu Selmia accused Israeli authorities of subjecting Palestinian detainees to “daily physical and psychological humiliation.” Israeli authorities have denied such allegations.
Israel launched the war after Hamas’ October 7 attack, in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed some 1,200 people,mostly civilians and abducted about 250.
