Israeli forces are “expanding operations” in Gaza’s key southern city of Khan Younis as they intensify their offensive against Hamas. 

“The task here is to dismantle Hamas - so that it no longer has military and governing capabilities,” Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said at a press briefing on the operations. 

“We will be required to show a lot of perseverance and determination.”

Heavy Israeli shelling over the last two days near the Al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis has left at least 41 Palestinians dead and more than 50 others injured, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Those killed include “displaced persons seeking shelter”, it said. 

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