Israel withdrew all troops from southern Gaza, including Khan Yunis, following intense battles with Hamas militants that left the area in ruins.
Despite the pullout, a “significant force” will remain in the besieged Gaza Strip, aiming to maintain operational capabilities.
According to the military, the 98th commando division, which was operating in Khan Yunis, has completed its mission and left for recuperation.
The 162nd division and the Nahal brigade will continue operations in Gaza to safeguard the IDF’s capacity for precision intelligence-based missions.
Israeli security expert Omer Dostri emphasized that the troop withdrawal is a strategic tactical move and not an indication of the conflict’s resolution.
He suggested that the commandoes might return to engage remaining Hamas militants after evacuating civilians from Rafah, a southern city near the Egyptian border.
Dostri anticipated further ground operations in Rafah to dismantle the remaining Hamas forces following the civilian evacuation. He estimated the presence of one Hamas brigade in Rafah and a battalion and a half in Nuseirat, a central region in Gaza.
Looking ahead, Dostri forecasted that once Gaza operations conclude, Israeli forces may intensify efforts against Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.
