Israel persisted with intense clashes in Gaza on Wednesday, despite growing concerns that the conflict with Hamas could escalate further following the killing of a senior Hamas leader in Lebanon the day before.
Saleh Al-Arouri, the deputy head of Hamas’s political bureau, fell victim to an airstrike in Beirut on Tuesday, although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack.
Amidst fears of a widening conflict, Israel continued its offensive in Gaza on Wednesday, citing “intensive battles” in Khan Younis as part of its efforts to remove Hamas from the area.
Israeli aircraft dropped leaflets instructing civilians to evacuate seven districts, coinciding with reports from residents and Palestinian media that the Israel Defense Forces had bombed the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp overnight, resulting in the destruction of several buildings. Israel persisted with intense
The leaflets delivered a clear message: “You are in a dangerous combat area. The IDF is operating heavily in your area of residence. For your safety, the IDF urges you to immediately evacuate this area.”
Israel has also stepped up its attack on the Al-Bureij refugee camp by sending in planes and tanks. Hamas claimed to have hit five tanks and troop carriers.