From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 22, 2024
Fierce battles unfolding as IDF launches new, large offensive in western Khan Younis
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Fierce battles are taking place as the IDF launches a new, large offensive on the western Khan Younis area in the southern Gaza Strip.
Four brigades, led by the 98th Division, are involved in the offensive, which began yesterday with a series of airstrikes on Hamas sites in the area.
The IDF aims to dismantle Hamas’s military framework in the Khan Younis area with the new push.
Since this morning, around 50 Hamas operatives, including several commanders, have been killed by the ground troops of the Commando, Paratroopers, Givati and 7th brigades.
The soldiers have encircled the Khan Younis refugee camp, and are beginning to maneuver into it, where several Hamas sites are located.
The offensive is likely to last several more days, which will include the IDF raiding key Hamas strongholds, outposts, and infrastructure in the area.
The Khan Younis area, unlike most parts of northern Gaza, has many civilians sheltering. The IDF says it is aware of the sites where civilians are sheltering, along with hospitals, and will work to avoid harming them as it operates.
The Times of Israel Community.