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Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip — The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a wave of intensified airstrikes across southern Gaza on Monday morning, with a particular focus on the city of Khan Yunis.
The military action is part of the renewed phase of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” which has expanded in recent days despite no declared change in Israel’s overall situational assessment.
The IDF confirmed its continued operations throughout the Gaza Strip, stating, “Contrary to recent reports, there is no change in the situational assessment. The IDF is in the midst of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ and is operating throughout the Gaza Strip.”
Reports indicate that a key target of the operation in Khan Yunis was Ahmed Sarhan, a senior commander of the Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees — the third-largest militant organization in Gaza.
According to security sources, Sarhan, allegedly involved in intelligence gathering operations against Israel, was killed during an attempted arrest by Israeli forces.
While the IDF has not officially confirmed Sarhan’s death, Israeli media outlet Ynet reported that the operation was intended to apprehend him. Palestinian sources claim Sarhan was eliminated during the Monday morning strikes in Khan Yunis.
The weekend saw a significant uptick in military activity, with heavy bombardments reported Saturday and Sunday night across several parts of the Gaza Strip.
By Monday night, Israeli strikes had extended to additional areas including Deir al-Balah, Bani Suhelia to the east of Khan Yunis, the southern outskirts of Nuseirat, and sections of Gaza City.
Palestinian health officials and local security sources reported that more than 148 people were killed within the past 24 hours due to the intensified Israeli air campaign. These numbers are yet to be independently verified.
Amid the ongoing hostilities, Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. According to Palestinian security officials, over 400,000 residents have been displaced from northern Gaza to the southern regions, seeking safety from the constant bombardments.
However, as airstrikes now concentrate heavily on southern towns like Khan Yunis and Rafah, many families are reportedly trapped with nowhere else to flee.
Images from the ground show extensive destruction, with entire buildings reduced to rubble and rescue workers sifting through debris in search of survivors.
In Khan Yunis, the epicenter of Monday’s escalation, emergency services are overwhelmed as casualties rise and infrastructure crumbles under continued aerial assaults.
The latest developments underscore the protracted and intensifying nature of the Gaza conflict, which has now entered another violent phase.
While Israel maintains that its targets are militant operatives and infrastructure, humanitarian organizations continue to warn of the devastating toll on Gaza’s civilian population.
As of now, there is no sign of a ceasefire or diplomatic breakthrough. The IDF’s current trajectory suggests that Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” will persist, with further military operations likely across the enclave in the coming days.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members