Israel's war with Hamas: IDF leaves Khan Yunis, Israelis protest against Netanyahu

 

The Israeli military has announced the withdrawal of all ground troops from the southern part of the Gaza Strip after four months of fighting in Khan Yunis. Only one brigade remains in the southern areas to guard the sector's corridor.

Israel's next target for a ground offensive is Rafah, near the Egyptian border, where over a million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge. The impact of the troop withdrawal from Khan Yunis on these plans remains uncertain.

The UN has expressed concerns about a potential humanitarian disaster in Rafah if an operation is launched.

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, IDF spokesman, stated that the military campaign is evolving, with a rotation of troops following the completion of the mission in Khan Yunis. The goal is to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages, not to take control of Gaza.

Rafah is still a Hamas stronghold, with four Israeli battalions stationed there. Lerner highlighted that it was in Rafah where two hostages were freed in March.