The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it has withdrawn most ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip, leaving behind only one brigade.
Further details about this partial withdrawal were not immediately available. It remains uncertain whether this move will affect plans for a potential incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which Israeli leaders have indicated as necessary to confront Hamas.
The timing of this withdrawal coincides with Egypt’s preparations to host fresh talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire and negotiating the release of hostages.
In a related development, IDF Chief of Staff expressed readiness for a “multi-front war” against Iranian proxies amidst escalating tensions.
Israel’s military operations in Gaza, initiated in response to a Hamas attack on October 7 six months ago, have primarily targeted the southern areas of the Palestinian territory.
Rafah has become a refuge for over a million Palestinians near the border with Egypt.
Israeli sources report over 250 hostages taken and around 1,200 deaths during the October 7 attack.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 33,100 Palestinians have died in the Israeli offensive.
Typically, an Israeli brigade consists of several thousand troops.
