Israel Partially Withdraws Forces From Southern Gaza After 6 Months Of War

Israel has reportedly withdrawn its ground forces from the southern Gaza Strip, marking a partial withdrawal from the region six months after the conflict ignited following attacks on October 7. Despite this, a significant military presence will remain in other parts of Gaza to continue intelligence-based operations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is on the verge of victory and emphasized that the fighting will continue until all hostages held by Hamas are released. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel is open to negotiations but will not surrender its position.

Air strikes continued in Khan Yunis and Rafah overnight, as Israel pulled its troops out of Khan Yunis, leaving significant destruction in its wake. The 98th commando division, tasked with dismantling Hamas’s presence in Khan Yunis, has departed the area to regroup for future operations.

The withdrawal coincides with renewed truce talks in Cairo, where mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt are facilitating discussions between Israeli and Hamas representatives. CIA Chief Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani are among the officials attending the indirect negotiations.

The recent developments follow global pressure, including from US President Joe Biden, who urged for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The conflict has drawn condemnation internationally, particularly after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers in Gaza.