The Israeli military has announced the withdrawal of its ground forces from Khan Younis in southern Gaza after months of intense fighting. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its 98th division has completed its mission in Khan Younis and has left the area to rest and prepare for future operations.
While the 98th division has withdrawn, a significant force led by the 162nd division and the Nahal brigade remains in other areas of the Gaza Strip. The IDF did not provide specific reasons for the withdrawal from Khan Younis when questioned by media outlets.
Reports indicate that the remaining forces will be stationed along the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic route that divides the Gaza Strip and intersects Salaheddin Street, a key north-south road in the region.
During their operation in Khan Younis, IDF commando units conducted raids and searches in over a hundred locations in the Al-Amal neighborhood. The military claimed to have discovered terrorist infrastructure in each location, including a tunnel measuring approximately 900 meters in length. The IDF stated that it engaged and neutralized terrorists during these operations, although these claims have not been independently verified by CNN.
The withdrawal of ground forces from Khan Younis raises questions about Israel's potential plans for future military actions in the region, particularly in the densely populated area of Rafah, which has so far been spared from direct ground combat.
