Israeli Army Reduces Ground Forces in Southern Gaza

The Israeli army announced on Sunday that it has withdrawn more ground forces from the southern Gaza Strip, leaving only one brigade six months after its offensive began in the area. The Israeli army, which has been reducing its troop numbers in Gaza since the beginning of this year to alleviate pressure on reserve forces and under increasing pressure from its ally Washington to improve humanitarian conditions, did not provide details on the reasons for its action or the number of soldiers involved. According to Reuters, this move comes as Egypt prepares to host a new round of negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and a hostage release agreement. Six months of war in Gaza have put pressure on the Israeli army and the country's economy. Many Israeli security experts now see a greater threat from the Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Israel is also on alert for a potential retaliatory attack from the Islamic Republic of Iran in response to the deaths of several Quds Force commanders in Damascus. It is unclear whether this withdrawal will delay an anticipated Israeli operation to 'eliminate Hamas' in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Palestinian residents of Khan Younis in southern Gaza reported witnessing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the city center and their retreat towards eastern areas. The Israeli offensive, which began following Hamas's shocking attack on Israel on October 7, has focused on the southern Gaza Strip in recent months. According to Israeli statistics, Hamas and its allies, supported by the Islamic Republic, took more than 250 hostages and killed about 1,200 people in the October 7 attack. The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reports that over 33,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. A senior advisor to Khamenei has threatened Israeli embassies, stating that the outcome remains to be seen. Israel claims to be prepared for a potential confrontation with the Islamic Republic.