Photo: IDF
On Monday, May 19, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) intensified strikes in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, in particular the city of Khan Younis, as part of the renewed Operation Chariots of Gideon. According to Ynet, one of the leaders of the Salah al-Din Brigades group was killed during the raid.
The purpose of the night raid was to detain Ahmed Sarhan, one of the field commanders of the Popular Resistance Committees, the third largest terrorist organisation in Gaza. According to preliminary data, he was involved in intelligence operations against Israel. He was eliminated during a special operation.
Strikes across the sector
In addition to Khan Younis, the following areas were hit:
- Deir al-Balah,
- Bani Suheila (east of Khan Younis),
- South of Nusairat,
- Gaza City.
The IDF clarifies that despite the large-scale actions, “the assessment of the situation has not changed” and Operation Gideon’s Chariot continues throughout the Strip.
Fatalities and displacements
According to Palestinian sources:
- 148 people have died in the last 24 hours,
- More than 400,000 people were forced to leave northern Gaza and move to the south.
Powerful airstrikes continue, particularly in the area of Khan Younis, which is becoming the main epicentre of hostilities.
“Operation Chariots of Gideon continues. The army is operating throughout the Gaza Strip without changing its strategic objectives,” the Israeli command said in a statement.
