Fierce Fighting in Khan Younis: UN Reports Nine Deaths from Explosions at Gaza Shelter

According to the UN relief agency in Gaza, nine people have died and many others have been injured in explosions at a UN compound housing refugees in Khan Younis. The UNRWA reported that the blasts were caused by two tank shells hitting the training college where 800 people were taking shelter. Israel has not commented directly on the explosions but stated that its forces were operating in the surrounding area. The city has been encircled by Israeli troops who have issued evacuation orders for over 500,000 people still in the area. UNRWA director Thomas White stated on Twitter that the centre was hit during ongoing fighting and there were "mass casualties". Mr. White added that the blasts hit a carpentry building after two days of fighting around the centre. The IDF reported that Israeli forces were located around the camp and had begun operating within it as part of their efforts to dismantle Hamas' military framework. The fighting has resulted in a high number of casualties, including over 200 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, and has been especially intense in southern Gaza, including the refugee camp in Khan Younis. Hospitals in Khan Younis have been affected by the heavy fighting and some patients and staff have been unable to enter or exit due to ongoing bombardments. Israel initiated its invasion of Gaza in response to a deadly attack by Hamas in early October. International calls for Israel to cease its bombardment have been made, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that they will continue fighting until Hamas is overthrown and the remaining hostages are released. An incident was filmed in which a Palestinian civilian was shot and killed by an unknown party. The footage prompted questions in the British parliament about whether the conflict should be halted, to which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded that he wanted to see an immediate and sustained humanitarian pause. Talks in Cairo have produced a new proposal to Hamas to end the war, which includes a five-stage plan starting with a humanitarian truce and the release of Israeli civilians held hostage. However, there is a disagreement about at what point Israeli troops should withdraw from Gaza. Additionally, the Egyptian president has accused Israel of purposely delaying aid deliveries at the Rafah border crossing to put more pressure on Hamas, while Israel argues that inspections are necessary to prevent weapons from reaching the group.