Israeli tanks reach center of Khan Younis, Hamas offers fierce resistance

(Patria) - Israeli tanks reached the center of Khan Younis on Sunday in a major new assault on the main city in the southern Gaza Strip, as health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza said that around 18,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war.

The air thundered with constant explosions, and thick columns of white smoke rose over the densely populated city, full of people displaced from other parts of the enclave.

It was one of the most terrifying nights, the resistance was very strong, we could hear gunfire and explosions that didn't stop for hours – a father of four, displaced from Gaza City and taking shelter in Khan Younis, told Reuters.

He declined to give his name for fear of reprisals.

On the opposite end of the Gaza Strip, in the northern areas where Israel had previously said its forces had largely completed their tasks, residents also described some of the most intense fighting of the war so far.

I dare say this is the strongest battle we have heard in weeks – said Nasser, 59, a father of seven who took shelter in Jabalia after his house was destroyed in Beit Lahia, another northern area.

Explosions could be heard as he spoke.

We will not leave Jabalia no matter what. We will die here as martyrs or they will leave us alone.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, after militants breached the fence on October 7 and carried out an attack on Israeli towns, killing families in their homes, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages.

Since then, health authorities in Gaza say around 18,000 people have been killed and 49,500 injured in Israeli attacks, while thousands more are missing and presumed dead under the rubble.