Israeli warplanes have heavily bombarded an area around Khan Younis in southern Gaza, prompting the U.N. to call for an immediate ceasefire and urge both sides to protect civilians. The military's ground offensive has caused tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians to seek refuge in the town, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in the territory. Thomas White, the Gaza chief of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, said the agency is "gravely concerned" about the safety and well-being of civilians in the area.
