By Ronny Reyes | New York Post
The Israeli military has withdrawn all of its ground troops from southern Gaza save for one bridge in order to “rest and refit,” US officials say – as the Jewish State returns to the negotiating table with Hamas.
“They’ve been on the ground for four months, the word we’re getting is they’re tired, they need to be refit,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told ABC’s “This Week.”
“It is really just about rest and refit for these troops,” Kirby added, “and not necessarily that we can tell indicative of some coming new operation for these troops.”
It is unclear what the implications of the withdrawal will have on the looming Rafah offensive, with US officials pressuring Israel not to move into the crowded city — which is overflowing the Palestinians who fled fighting elsewhere in the territory — without a robust plan to avoid civilian casualties.
The IDF said that the Nahal Brigade will be the only unit remaining in Gaza on Sunday, stationed at the so-called Netzarim Corridor which divides the Palestinian enclave.
The position will allow the remaining soldiers to carry out raids in northern and central Gaza, as well as facilitate the delivery of aid to the enclave’s northern half.
The move is similar to the IDF’s tactic after taking out Hamas’ battalions in northern Gaza last year, with the majority of troops withdrawing except for a few divisions who remained to carry out smaller, follow-up raids.
The withdrawal serves as a temporary end to the battles in southern Gaza, which has seen the most intense fighting of the war.
Khan Younis, southern Gaza’s largest city, is now clear of Hamas’ brigades, with thousands of terrorists killed and nearly 19 miles of tunnels demolished, according to the IDF.
The withdrawal comes as Cairo is set to host a new round of negotiations aimed at reaching a cease-fire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas after several proposals have been rejected by the terror group.
There are 134 hostages remaining in Gaza now six months into the war after being kidnapped during the Oct. 7 massacre.
Hamas has repeatedly stated that it will not agree to any deal that does not include a permanent truce and complete withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has slammed the demands as non-starters and “delusional,” but he has been facing mounting domestic and international pressure to secure a deal as soon as possible.
Netanyahu, however, has reiterated that the best way to secure the hostages is through military pressure, with the prime minister stating that the war will not end until Hamas is destroyed.
With Post wires
