Israel announces the withdrawal of its troops from the southern Gaza Strip

Israel has withdrawn its troops from the south of the Gaza Strip, notably from the town of Khan Younes, after months of fighting against Hamas, the Israeli army said on Sunday April 7. “Today, Sunday, April 7, the 98th Commando Division of the Israeli Army completed its mission in Khan Yunis. The division left the Gaza Strip in order (…) to prepare for future operations”declared the army in a press release sent to AFP.

The IDF clarified that troops would continue to operate in the small Palestinian territory according to its strategic needs. “A significant force led by the 162nd Division and the Nahal Brigade continues to operate in the Gaza Strip to ensure the army’s freedom of action and its ability to conduct precise, intelligence-based operations.”underlines its press release.

Palestinians displaced from Khan Yunis, who represent only part of the refugees, can now return home after finding refuge in Rafah, further south near the border with Egypt, according to a soldier cited by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. On Sunday, an AFP photographer saw dozens of people leaving Rafah towards Khan Younes, on foot, by car or on carts pulled by donkeys.

“From what we understand, and from their public announcements, this is actually a period of rest and fitness for these troops who have been on the ground for four months”declared John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House, on the American channel ABC.