IOF Declares Khan Younis a "Dangerous Combat Zone," Orders Mass Evacuation to al-Mawasi
In a rapidly escalating move, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have officially declared the entire Khan Younis Governorate in southern Gaza a "dangerous combat zone." This includes the densely populated towns of Bani Suheila, Abasan, and al-Qarara. Residents have been ordered to evacuate immediately and head westward toward the coastal zone of al-Mawasi, which has been designated as a temporary “humanitarian area.”
The forcible displacement directive comes amid intensified military operations in the southern Gaza Strip, sparking fresh concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation. According to local sources and aid agencies, tens of thousands of residents are scrambling to flee the area, with many reporting limited access to transportation, food, and medical assistance during the chaotic evacuation.
The IOF claims the order is a necessary step to ensure civilian safety during ongoing operations against militant groups. However, human rights organizations and international observers have raised serious alarms, citing potential violations of international law and warning of further strain on already overcrowded shelters in al-Mawasi.
Al-Mawasi, a narrow stretch along Gaza’s southern coastline, is ill-equipped to handle a large influx of displaced persons. The area already suffers from shortages of basic necessities, and humanitarian agencies are urging immediate international support to prevent a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe.
This latest development marks a significant expansion of the combat zone in Gaza, further complicating diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire. As the conflict deepens, pressure mounts on the global community to intervene and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.
