Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday April 7 that the army had withdrawn its troops from Khan Younes, in the south of the Gaza Strip, to “prepare for the continuation of missions” including an operation in Rafah. “Our forces are preparing to continue their missions (…) in the Rafah area”the city in the far south of the Gaza Strip where more than 1.5 million Gazans have sought refuge, Yoav Gallant said, according to a statement from his office. Follow our live stream.
Israel is “one step away from victory,” assures Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel is “one step from victory” in his war against Hamas in Gaza, assured Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, six months to the day after the attack by the Palestinian movement and the start of Israeli military reprisals. “But the price to pay is painful and heartbreaking”declared the Prime Minister to his government’s war cabinet. “There will be no ceasefire without the return of the hostages. It will not happen”he also warned.
The Israeli army announces that it has withdrawn its troops from Khan Younes to “prepare for future operations”. Israel announced on Sunday that it had withdrawn its troops from the south of the Gaza Strip, notably from the town of Khan Younes, after months of fighting against Hamas. Asked by AFP whether this meant that all troops had left the southern Gaza Strip, a military official replied “Yes”.
Several negotiators expected in Egypt to discuss a truce. CIA chief Bill Burns is in Cairo this weekend to meet with Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea, as well as Egyptian and Qatari officials, according to US media, including the New York Times. The White House has confirmed truce talks.