begun its ground offensive in southern gaza, north of the city of khan younis. it said there are armoured forces in the area. they have begun operating and attacking what they say are hamas targets. it says the idf expect to expand their ground operation in the region. the hamas run health ministry in gaza says more than 15,500 palestinians have been killed over the course of the war. the idf also says 500 hamas tunnel shafts have been destroyed. hamas is considered a terrorist organisation by the uk and us governments, among others. live to the scene in khan younis. you can see people sitting outside the hospital. tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands are taking shelter in and around khan younis after fleeing shelter in and around khan younis afterfleeing fighting shelter in and around khan younis after fleeing fighting in the north of gaza in the early stages of the war. this morning, the israeli army issued evacuation orders for several districts, urging people to l