White House: Israel's Reduction of Forces in Southern Gaza Likely for 'Rest and Resupply'

John Kirby, the White House National Security Council's communications advisor, stated on Sunday, April 8, that Israel's reduction of its ground forces in southern Gaza appears to be for 'rest and resupply' and does not necessarily indicate an impending new operation. Mr. Kirby made these remarks in an interview with ABC News, saying, 'They have been there for four months, and as far as we know, they are tired; they need to resupply.' The Israeli army announced on Sunday that it had withdrawn more ground forces from southern Gaza, leaving only one brigade six months after the start of its operation in the area. The Israeli army, which has been reducing the number of its soldiers 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 about the reasons for its actions or the number of soldiers. According to Reuters, this move comes as Egypt is preparing 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 attack by Israel 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 invasion, which began following Hamas's shocking attack on Israel on October 7, has focused on southern Gaza 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. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. A senior advisor to Khamenei threatened Israeli embassies, saying, 'How it will happen, we must wait for the time.' Israel claims it is prepared for a potential confrontation with the Islamic Republic.