TEL AVIV: Israeli military spokesperson announced on Sunday that all ground troops except one brigade have been withdrawn from the southern Gaza Strip.
Further details were not immediately provided, leaving uncertainty over the timing of a potential incursion into Rafah, which Israeli leaders argue is necessary to eliminate Hamas.
The withdrawal comes as Egypt’s efforts to facilitate talks for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Israel’s offensive, launched in response to a Hamas attack six months ago on October 7th, has predominantly targeted the southern region of Gaza.
Rafah has emerged as a refuge for over a million Palestinians near the border with Egypt. Typically comprising several thousand troops, an Israeli brigade remains stationed in the area.
According to the Gaza health ministry, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 33,175 Palestinians and wounded 75,886 since its beginning. In the last 24 hours alone, 38 Palestinians were killed and 71 injured, as reported by the ministry.
