Israel Claims Its Troops Have Surrounded Khan Younis, the Second Largest City in Gaza

The Israeli military has surrounded Khan Younis, the largest city in the southern Gaza Strip, with ground forces. Troops have advanced further into the city, believing that Hamas leaders are hiding in tunnels with hostages. Meanwhile, tanks have blocked the last road out of the city, preventing residents from fleeing southwards. Intense fighting has also been reported around the city's hospitals. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) suffered their deadliest day on Monday, with 24 soldiers killed, while at least 195 Palestinians were killed in Gaza during the same 24-hour period. The war between Hamas and Israel has resulted in over 25,400 deaths, mostly children and women. The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas gunmen carried out a cross-border attack on southern Israel. Israeli ground forces expanded their operation into southern Gaza in early December and faced strong resistance from Hamas's Khan Younis Brigade. The IDF has intensified its operation in recent days, and the World Health Organization is deeply concerned about attacks on hospitals in Khan Younis. The situation remains extremely dangerous, and ambulances are struggling to reach the wounded. The Nasser Medical Complex, the largest working hospital in Gaza, is overwhelmed and overcrowded. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is described as appalling, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire. Qatar is engaging in discussions with both sides to find a potential deal, and a Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo to discuss new proposals. Israel has proposed a two-month truce, but Hamas reportedly rejected it, demanding a permanent ceasefire.