Heavy strikes reported in Khan Younis amid report of hostage rescue attempt

A wave of heavy airstrikes is reported around the Khan Younis area, including Nasser Hospital, as dawn breaks over the enclave.

A report from Saudi news channel al-Arabiya, picked up by Hebrew-language media, claims that Israeli forces entered the area as part of an attempted hostage rescue operation.

الغارات الإسرائيلية صباح هذا اليوم على مدينة خانيونس جنوب قطاع غزة pic.twitter.com/PORzLC14aw

— أنس الشريف Anas Al-Sharif (@AnasAlSharif0) May 19, 2025

Video from the Strip shows large airstrikes in quick succession in the area, followed by the sounds of helicopter gunships, shelling, small arms fire and other explosions.

Very intense morning in Khan Younis now. pic.twitter.com/DF3ps2RAvu

— Mosab Abu Toha (@MosabAbuToha) May 19, 2025

According to the reports, there are already dozens of dead and wounded.

There is no immediate word from the military on the strikes or reported rescue attempt.