Israel Withdraws Forces from Southern Gaza, Leaving Only One Brigade

The Israel Defense Forces have withdrawn the 98th division from southern Gaza, which had been operating in Khan Younis for the past four months. According to The Times of Israel, only the "Nahal" infantry brigade remains in Gaza to ensure the security of the so-called "Netzarim corridor." This corridor stretches from southern Israel's Be'er Sheva to the coast, hindering the return of Palestinian refugees from the south to northern areas.

As noted by Reuters, it is unclear whether the Israeli declared assault on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza will now be postponed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that such an operation is necessary for the complete destruction of Hamas. However, Western authorities have expressed concern over the "unacceptable" civilian casualties that could arise from implementing this plan.

The United Nations has declared that Israel's military operation in Rafah would be disastrous for the residents of Gaza. The United States has also warned that it would not support an operation in Rafah without guarantees for the safety of Palestinian civilians.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Israel Defense Forces announced the completion of the active phase of the war, leaving open the possibility of future incursions into Rafah. Although the Israeli military insists that the withdrawal is not related to U.S. pressure, the decision was made following a recent assault in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven workers from the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen.

White House spokesperson John Kirby suggested in an interview with ABC that the withdrawal of the IDF's 98th division could be related to the repositioning of forces. In the meantime, protests continue in Israel demanding Netanyahu's resignation. Organizers of these protests accuse the government's authorities of failing to take necessary measures to free hostages captured by Hamas militants six months ago.