Clashes Between Israeli Army and Hamas in Khan Younis; UN Calls Current Situation 'Apocalyptic'

Israeli forces clashed with Hamas militants in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Wednesday, December 6, forcing Palestinian civilians to flee to other areas despite a decrease in safe zones. According to Reuters, Israeli warplanes bombed several locations in one of the heaviest battles in the past two months, targeting Hamas. Palestinian doctors report that hospitals are filled with casualties, many of whom are women and children. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. Hundreds of thousands displaced from northern Gaza are seeking shelter in limited areas in the south designated by Israel as 'safe zones.' Meanwhile, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, described the current situation in Gaza as 'apocalyptic' and warned of serious human rights violations by both sides of the conflict. The UN also stated that aid delivery through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt has become 'impossible.' After taking control of northern Gaza, Israeli forces advanced south and besieged Khan Younis. Israel claims to have targeted hundreds of Hamas-related sites, including near a school in northern Gaza. Residents reported that Israeli bombardment intensified on Tuesday night, resulting in civilian casualties. Hamas media reported that Israeli tanks, naval boats, and warplanes bombed areas of the Jabalia refugee camp, as well as streets and homes in northern Gaza. According to residents, tanks were positioned near the home of Yahya Sinwar, a Hamas leader in Gaza, but it is unclear if anyone was present in the house. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted that Hamas forces have begun using improvised explosive devices and landmines due to the escalation of ground battles. Israel launched its military operation in response to a Hamas attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages, most of whom were civilians, including children and women. Hamas's media office stated that since then, over 16,000 people, including more than 7,000 children and about 5,000 women, have been killed in Gaza, although these figures have not yet been confirmed by the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel reported that 84 of its soldiers have been killed since the start of the ground operation five weeks ago. Only a few hospitals remain operational in Gaza, struggling to continue their activities. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights told reporters that the risk of 'atrocious crimes' is increasing under current conditions. The UN defines genocide, crimes against humanity, and any actions considered war crimes under international law as 'atrocious crimes.' Moshe Tetro, Israel's humanitarian affairs officer, told Reuters that the army has informed civilians to evacuate areas in Khan Younis where operations are planned through phone messages, online statements, and announcements. The Israeli army claims that Hamas prevents civilians from moving to safe locations, a claim the militant group denies. Residents reported that there are virtually no safe places in Gaza, and the remaining areas are overcrowded, with Israel bombing the locations it instructs people to go to, a claim previously denied by Israel. Meanwhile, Israel states that several women and children hostages are still held by Hamas, and its goal is to locate and free them. During a week-long ceasefire, Hamas returned over a hundred hostages, but 138 others remain in the group's custody. According to Reuters, the U.S. has urged Israel to take further actions to deliver fuel and other aid to Gaza and reduce harm to civilians. The U.S. State Department has requested Israel to facilitate more aid deliveries to Gaza, stating that Israel's ground operations in southern Gaza will continue for weeks. Individuals who undermine peace, security, or stability in the West Bank will be barred from entering the U.S. Biden stated that Hamas's refusal to release young women led to the failure of ongoing temporary ceasefire negotiations. Israel is investigating the possibility of 'sexual crimes' committed by Hamas members.