Israeli Military Withdraws Division of Ground Troops from Southern Gaza, Raising Questions About Future Plans
As the war in Gaza reached the six-month mark, the Israeli military announced on Sunday that it had withdrawn a division of ground troops from southern Gaza. This move has raised questions about Israel’s future plans in the region, especially regarding the possibility of a ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city.
The 98th Division, which had been stationed in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, left the area to “recuperate and prepare for future operations,” according to the army. This withdrawal means that there are currently no Israeli troops actively maneuvering in southern Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas in all of Gaza, including Rafah, despite warnings from the Biden administration that a ground invasion would have catastrophic consequences for the more than one million Gazans living there.
While some displaced residents in Rafah are hesitant to return to their homes in Khan Younis, others have started to make their way back. The uncertainty surrounding the withdrawal of the 98th Division has left many wondering about the future of the conflict.
A senior White House official expressed uncertainty about the implications of the troop withdrawal, stating that it may simply be a rest and refit for the soldiers who have been on the ground for four months. The Israeli military has previously returned to areas of Gaza that it had previously left, especially in the north, as Hamas attempts to re-establish itself in those areas.
Despite the ongoing conflict and uncertainty, many residents of Gaza are exhausted and eager for the war to end. Mohammed Radi, a displaced restaurateur from Gaza City, expressed frustration and exhaustion after six months of living in tents.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Gaza raises important questions about the future of the conflict and the impact on the civilian population.
