The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it had pulled back a division of ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip as international mediators gathered in hopes of brokering a temporary cease-fire. This comes six months into the longest war involving Israel since the 1980s.
Israel has been gradually reducing the number of troops in Gaza over the past few months, with only a fraction of the soldiers deployed earlier in the conflict against Hamas remaining. The last group of soldiers from the 98th Division has now left the southern city of Khan Younis to rest and prepare for future operations, leaving no active Israeli troops maneuvering in southern Gaza.
However, Israeli officials emphasized that troops would remain in other parts of Gaza to maintain their freedom of action and conduct intelligence-based operations.
The withdrawal from Khan Younis, following the invasion four months earlier, raised questions about Israel’s plans amid calls for de-escalation. It remains uncertain what this might signal about Israel’s intentions regarding Rafah, where many have fled to escape the fighting.
Despite the withdrawal, residents like Osama Asfour expressed skepticism, fearing a potential return of Israeli forces. The uncertainty also echoed in the Biden administration’s response, with a White House spokesman indicating that the troop withdrawal was for rest and refit rather than a sign of new operations.
While Israel remained on high alert anticipating retaliation from Iran for a recent strike in Syria, the government stated its readiness to respond. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant mentioned preparations for follow-up missions, including in Rafah, to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.
Amid these tensions, diplomatic efforts were underway in Cairo involving officials from the US, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and Hamas to negotiate a temporary cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken by Hamas. The talks aimed to reach an agreement on various conditions, including a cease-fire and the release of prisoners.
As the conflict continues with no clear resolution in sight, analysts and diplomats acknowledge the impasse. The reluctance to agree on terms for a truce has hindered progress in negotiations, amidst warnings of a looming famine in the region.
The prolonged conflict is exacerbated by Israel’s reluctance to hold captured ground or transfer control to alternative Palestinian leadership, creating a power vacuum that disrupts civil order and aid distribution.
Mohammed Radi, a displaced resident from Gaza City, expressed his exhaustion and frustration after six months of living in tents in Rafah, longing for an end to the war.
Reporting by Iyad Abuheweila, Erica L. Green, Cassandra Vinograd, and Aaron Boxerman.
