Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Sept 6: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday announced the establishment of a new humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, ahead of a major ground operation aimed at capturing Gaza City.

The move comes as part of the ongoing “Operation Gideon’s Chariots II”, which focuses on dismantling Hamas strongholds in the northern region of Gaza.

In a statement, the IDF said the newly designated zone includes key humanitarian infrastructure such as field hospitals, water pipelines, and desalination facilities, and will continue to receive food, medical aid, tents, and other essential supplies.

IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged residents of Gaza City to evacuate and move to the new safe zone at the earliest opportunity.

The IDF stressed that humanitarian assistance and infrastructure upgrades will proceed in coordination with the United Nations and other international organisations, even as ground operations expand in the north.

Separately, the IDF reported a strike on a multi-story building in Gaza City allegedly used by Hamas for intelligence-gathering and monitoring Israeli troop movements.

“Terrorists had installed surveillance equipment, planted explosives, and constructed underground infrastructure near the building to target IDF forces,” the military said.

The IDF added that precautions were taken before the attack to minimise civilian casualties, including warnings to residents, use of precision-guided weapons, and aerial surveillance.

The army reiterated its accusation that Hamas continues to exploit civilian infrastructure, violating international law and endangering local populations by using them as human shields.

“The IDF will continue operating with force and determination against terrorist organisations in Gaza,” the statement concluded.