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Israel is withdrawing troops from southern Gaza/ Now the target is Rafah

2024-04-08 07:36:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Israel is withdrawing troops from southern Gaza/ Now the target is Rafah

The Israeli army announced on Sunday that it had withdrawn its forces from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, ending a key phase in its ground offensive against the militant group Hamas and bringing its troop presence in the territory to one of its highest levels. the lowest since the beginning of the six-month war.

But defense officials said the troops were simply regrouping as the army prepares to move into the last Hamas stronghold of Rafah. "The war in Gaza continues and we are far from stopping," said military chief Herzi Halevi.

Local broadcaster Channel 13 TV reported that Israel was preparing to begin evacuating Rafah within a week and the process could take several months.

However, the withdrawal was a historic moment as Israel and Hamas marked six months of fighting. Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under army policy, said a "significant force" remained in Gaza to continue targeted operations including Khan Younis, the hometown of Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar.

Israel has for weeks vowed a ground offensive in Rafah. But the city is home to about 1.4 million people, more than half of Gaza's population. The prospect of an offensive has raised global alarm, including from Israel's main ally, the US, which has demanded a credible plan to protect civilians. Allowing people to return to nearby Khan Younis could ease some of the pressure on Rafah./ CNA





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