Israel issues evacuation orders in Gaza, fresh strikes leave 70 dead

Cairo/Jerusalem/Gaza, July 22

Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes killed at least 70 and over 200 wounded Palestinians near Khan Younis, medics said on Monday, after Israel issued orders to evacuate some neighbourhoods following what it said were renewed attacks from those areas.

The Palestinians were killed by tank salvoes in the town of Bani Suhaila and other towns just east of the southern city of Khan Younis, with the area also bombarded by air, they said.

The Gaza health ministry said the dead included several women and children and that dozens of other people had been injured by Israeli fire.

Earlier, an Israeli military statement said the new evacuation orders were given due to renewed Palestinian militant attacks, including rockets launched from the targeted areas in eastern Khan Younis. The orders did not include health institutions, Palestinians said.

The military said it was adjusting the boundaries of a designated humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi. — Reuters