The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have recently issued a mass evacuation order for Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city. This decision has raised concerns among the residents, fearing the return of Israeli troops to the city just months after their withdrawal. The evacuation zone now includes important aid crossings and routes in southern Gaza, with the European Hospital in Khan Younis being identified as a danger zone.
As a result of the evacuation order, hundreds of Palestinians have fled the European Hospital and sought refuge at the nearby Nasser Hospital. The World Health Organization (WHO) officials have reported that 270 patients along with medical staff self-evacuated to the Nasser medical complex, with only a few patients remaining at the European Hospital and ICSC field hospital.
WHO’s representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Rik Peeperkorn, expressed sadness over the situation, mentioning that hospitals in the region have often turned from “partly-functional” to “non-functional” following attacks by the Israeli military. While the European Hospital itself is not under evacuation orders, the self-evacuation of health workers and locals has become a common response in times of conflict.
The IDF is reportedly close to completing its offensive in the nearby city of Rafah, a place that many Gazans previously considered a safe haven. The situation remains tense in the region as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.
Watch the video by Global News
Video “Palestinians flee to Nasser hospital after Israeli military orders Khan Younis evacuation” was uploaded on 07/02/2024 to Youtube Channel Global News