IDF closing in on Hamas chief Yahya Sinawar as soldiers surround Gaza's Khan Younis

The IDF on Wednesday claimed that were in the heart of Khan Younis, Gaza's second-largest city, and were closing in on the residence of Hamas chief Yahya Sinawar.

According to the IDF, its 98th Division launched a combined attack on the area of ​​the city of Khan Younis "against the centres of gravity of the Hamas terror organisation."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu too sent a message to Hamas’s Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar that Israel was closing in on him. "The IDF Forces are currently surrounding Sinwar’s house. His home isn’t his castle, and he can flee, but it’s just a matter of time until we get to him," Netanyahu said.

Though Khan Younis residents said Israeli tanks had neared Sinwar's home, they said it was not known whether he was there.

However, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari later clarified that no specific building serving as a residence for Sinwar was being encircled. He said that Sinawar's home was in the Khan Younis area. Sinwar is believed to have been in hiding in Hamas’s vast tunnel network since the terror group launched its deadly attacks on southern Israel on October 7.

Meanwhile, the Israeli bombardment is forcing hundreds of Gazans to seek shelter near Egypt and in a desolate seaside area of the enclave.

Gazans crammed into Rafah on the border with Egypt based on Israeli leaflets and messages saying that they would be safe in the city.

Some of the displaced civilians were also fleeing to the desolate area of Al Mawasi on Gaza's southern Mediterranean coast. But, reports say that the town is unable to accommodate the more than 1.8 million Palestinians forced to evacuate their homes.

The small and narrow about 1km (0.6 miles) wide and 14km (8.7 miles) long - Bedouin village lacks shelter, food and other necessities. Refugee organisations say there are no facilities.