Intense Fighting in Southern Gaza - IDF Reports Injuries: Evacuations and Dozens of Airstrikes

Heavy fighting continues across the Gaza Strip as Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intensify ground and air operations in the southern region. On Friday, an IDF spokesman reported that a soldier from the 12th Battalion of the Golani Brigade was seriously wounded during an operation in southern Gaza. The soldier, who was struck by gunfire, was evacuated to a hospital for treatment. His family has been informed, according to the military.

In a separate incident, a terrorist squad opened fire on an IDF unit operating in the area. The unit returned fire, killing two members of the squad. Shortly after, an Israeli Air Force aircraft carried out an airstrike that eliminated a third terrorist from the same group. During the exchange of fire, a combat officer sustained moderate injuries and was also hospitalized. His family has been notified.

Meanwhile, the IDF has issued evacuation orders for several neighborhoods throughout the Gaza Strip. Arabic-language IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee called on residents in northern Gaza — specifically East Shaja'iya, Tufah, and East Zeitoun — to evacuate westward toward Gaza City. Reports and footage emerged shortly afterward showing civilians leaving those areas.

Evacuation Orders Issued Across Gaza

Evacuation notices were also issued for residents of Khirbet Khuza’a, Abbasan al-Kabira, and al-Jadeeda. “The IDF has launched a powerful attack. This area is considered a dangerous combat zone. For your safety, evacuate to shelters in Khan Yunis. Evacuate the area immediately,” Adraee wrote.

According to the IDF, forces from the 36th Division stepped up operations overnight in the area known as the “Morag axis,” a strategic corridor between Rafah and Khan Yunis. Saudi-based Al Arabiya reported, citing an Israeli security source, that the IDF has completed its takeover of the axis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously referred to this corridor as “the second Philadelphia,” noting its strategic importance and Israel's goal of securing control over it.

IDF Expands Control Over Strategic 'Morag Axis'

In Rafah, the IDF reported that Hamas’ Golani Pir Brigade had established a compound in a former kindergarten, located about 100 meters from a former school. Israeli special forces from the elite Yahalom unit discovered and destroyed a booby-trapped tunnel shaft that extended dozens of meters underground.

Elsewhere in Rafah’s Tel Sultan neighborhood, Israeli forces eliminated Ahmed Farhat, the commander responsible for sniper operations in Hamas’ Tel Sultan battalion. Ground operations also continued in the Shaburah neighborhood.

Hamas Sniper Commander Eliminated in Tel Sultan

The IDF confirmed that around 40 targets were struck from the air in the past 24 hours, including terrorist operatives, weapons depots, and infrastructure used for militant activity. Palestinian sources reported that 10 people were killed in an airstrike in the central Khan Yunis area.

As operations continue, the humanitarian and security situation across Gaza remains dire, with widespread displacement and rising casualties on both sides.