Offensive Escalates in Khan Yunis; Over 100 Hamas Terrorists Killed

By Yoni Weiss

The IDF continued its major division-level offensive in western Khan Yunis on Tuesday, intensifying the fighting that began on Monday.

Over 100 Hamas terrorists have been killed in the ongoing battles, with 50 killed on Monday and more on Tuesday. The ongoing attack in Khan Yunis does not show direct impact from the incident in central Gaza where 21 IDF soldiers were unfortunately killed.

Division 98 deployed significant forces, including seven brigades, artillery, tanks, and air support, surrounding western Khan Yunis. The IDF reported eliminating ambush units with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and anti-tank missiles, engaging in close-range fighting with Hamas forces. The large airstrikes mentioned on Monday aimed to facilitate ground forces’ movement into new areas.

For the past seven weeks, IDF attacks on Khan Yunis have focused on the northern and eastern parts of the city. Western Khan Yunis is considered the heart of Hamas’s operations, including areas linked to top leaders Yahya Sinwar and Muhammad Deif.

The objective of the new push is to disrupt the Khan Yunis Brigade’s ability to fight as an organized force. However, there are no immediate plans to enter Rafah or control the Philadelphi Corridor. The IDF has not provided specific information about targeting Hamas’s leadership or hostages, but the operation appears designed to increase pressure on the terror group.