As the conflict in Gaza reached its six month mark, the Israeli military made a significant move by withdrawing a division of ground troops from southern Gaza on Sunday. The 98th Division left Khan Younis in order to “recuperate and prepare for future operations,” according to the army.
This withdrawal has raised questions about Israel’s plans for the ongoing conflict, especially regarding the possibility of a ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his determination to eliminate Hamas in all of Gaza, including Rafah, despite warnings from the Biden administration about the potential catastrophic consequences of a ground invasion.
While the army stated that its forces would remain in other parts of Gaza to maintain their freedom of action, residents like Osama Asfour, who is currently sheltering in Rafah, remain wary. Asfour, whose home in Khan Younis was destroyed, expressed concerns about the uncertainty of the situation and the possibility of troops returning at any moment.
The departure of the 98th Division comes after Israeli forces invaded southern Gaza four months ago. Throughout the conflict, the army has re-entered areas of Gaza that were previously vacated, particularly in the north, where Hamas has attempted to re-establish itself following Israeli withdrawals.
In a recent development, the military pulled back from Al-Shifa Hospital in the north after a two-week operation, leaving behind a scene of destruction following intense gun battles with Palestinian militants. This pattern of entering and exiting areas of Gaza highlights the complex and volatile nature of the conflict, leaving both Israeli forces and Gaza residents uncertain about what the future holds.
