The IDF has ordered the evacuation of a humanitarian area near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, where 1.8 million mostly refugee residents were living. The Israeli army conducted air raids in response to attacks on Israel from specific areas in Khan Yunis, designated as a humanitarian safe zone. Prior to the offensive, the army instructed the estimated 1.8 million refugees in the southern Gaza area to temporarily evacuate to allow for the targeting of Hamas units within the refugee hub. The ongoing conflict between the IDF and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties, with the IDF targeting multiple terror infrastructure sites in Khan Yunis. The offensive was prompted by intelligence indicating terrorist activities in the area.
Following the offensive, reports from the Gaza Health Ministry suggested a significant number of casualties, although these figures were not independently verified. The IDF confirmed striking several terror infrastructure sites, including those used by the Hamas terrorist organization. The area also showed signs of the poliovirus in sewage samples, prompting the IDF to plan vaccinations for its troops and work with aid organizations to provide vaccines for Palestinians.
The evacuation order on July 22 coincided with stalled cease-fire negotiations, Israeli athletes heading to the Paris Olympics, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. President Joe Biden has been urging continued negotiations between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region. Netanyahu expressed gratitude to President Biden for his support and discussed various issues, including hostage releases, combating Hamas, and addressing regional threats like Iran.
In addition to the conflict in Gaza, the Israeli air force retaliated against Houthi attacks in Yemen, targeting a Houthi stronghold in the port of Hodeidah. The strikes were in response to repeated Houthi attacks and aimed at disrupting Iranian arms deliveries to Yemen. The Yemeni Health Ministry reported casualties from the strike, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the region.
Amidst these geopolitical tensions, Israeli athletes faced security concerns at the Paris Olympics, with reports of death threats following protests against their participation. The heightened security measures were implemented to ensure the safety of the Israeli delegation, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by Israel in international events.
Israel to Send Armed Shin Bet Agents to Protect Athletes
According to Israeli press reports, Israel will be deploying armed agents from its counterterrorism agency Shin Bet to ensure the safety of their athletes.
On July 22, a Canadian national made an attempted stabbing attack near the entrance of Hativ Ha’Asara, a moshav community located on the Gaza frontier. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the perpetrator was from Israeli territories, not Gaza, and was subsequently shot and killed by the moshav’s security force.
This report includes contributions from The Associated Press and Reuters.
