Death Toll Rises in Khan Younis Airstrikes

Palestinians mourned the loss of their loved ones after they were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, according to medics.

Several bodies could be seen laid out on the ground in body bags, surrounded by mourners ahead of funeral prayers.

Israeli forces pressed on with operations near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis amid an international push for a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and prevent a slide into a wider regional conflict with Iran and its proxies.

Palestinian medics said Israeli military strikes on Khan Younis killed at least 18 people and wounded several.

Meanwhile Israel is monitoring developments in Iran regarding a threatened strike against Israel, but the military has not changed its precautionary guidelines to the public, the Israeli military spokesperson said.

"We are following what is going on specifically with Iran, with all our capabilities. We are also not following alone. We are following with the United States and other partners," said spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

Hagari said that the military has not issued new safety guidelines to the public, but if needed would update the Home Front about any changes as quickly as possible.

"We take seriously the statements and remarks by our enemies. And therefore, we are at peak preparedness for attack and defense," he said in broadcast comments.

Israel has been bracing for a possible attack by Iran and its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon, after a sharp escalation in tensions following a missile strike that killed 12 youngsters in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on July 27.

In the wake of that attack, Israel killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut. A day later, the political leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, drawing vows of retaliation from Iran.