Israel prepares to expand ground operations in southern Gaza

Israeli forces are preparing to expand ground operations in southern Gaza, warning residents of the city of Khan Yunis of an "imminent terrible attack" and instructing them to evacuate.

Taking to social media platform X, the Israeli army posted a map marking around a quarter of Khan Younis in yellow, suggesting the area be evacuated at once.

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said, "The Israeli army continues to expand its ground operation against Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip. The army operates everywhere where there are Hamas strongholds."

According to reports, intense air strikes have targeted Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south, with hospitals in the area struggling to keep up with the increasing number of injured. 

Since the conflict resumed on Friday, intense air strikes have targeted Khan Yunis. 

The death toll as a result of the Israeli bombing in Gaza since October 7 had risen to 15,523, Hamas Ministry of Health said.