The deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas entered its sixth month on Sunday, with Israel announcing the withdrawal of additional soldiers from southern Gaza, leaving only one brigade, and both sides sending delegations to Egypt for further negotiations on a possible truce.
Israel has been lowering its presence in Gaza since the beginning of the year to relieve reservists, and it is under increasing pressure from its partner, the United States, to improve the humanitarian situation, particularly following the deaths of seven relief workers last week.
An Israeli military spokeswoman declined to comment on the reasons for the withdrawal or the number of soldiers involved. However, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the military will prepare for future operations in Gaza.
Both Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization that governs Gaza, affirmed that they will send delegates to Egypt for the next round of truce talks.
Hamas demands any solution that ends the fighting and removes Israeli soldiers. It further states that a deal must include inhabitants’ freedom of movement throughout the Gaza Strip.
Israel has stated that following any peace, it will depose Hamas, which is sworn to its destruction. At the outset of his weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that any agreement must involve the release of hostages currently held in Gaza and that Hamas’ outrageous demands were the impediment.
“Providing in to Hamas’s desires will enable it to engage in the atrocities of October 7 over and over, as it has pledged to do,” he told reporters.
According to Israeli estimates, over 250 hostages were taken, and around 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, were murdered during Hamas’ attacks on October 7.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 33,100 Palestinians have been murdered as a result of the Israeli onslaught. The government does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but claims two-thirds of those killed are children and women.
Israel said troops are ready for the Rafah operation.
Approximately 130 captives are still being held in Gaza. When asked about soldier withdrawals from the enclave, Israel’s Chief of General Staff, Herzi Halevi, told reporters that the military was modifying its tactics to what has been and will be a protracted conflict.
Gallant stated that Israel will continue to fight the battle until Hamas no longer controls Gaza or poses a military danger to Israel.
According to a statement from his office, “The forces are exiting and preparing for their next missions,” the defence minister said at a meeting with military leaders. He added, “Also their coming mission in the Rafah area.”
Israel claims that an assault into the Rafah region, near the Egyptian border, is required to destroy Hamas. Still, concerned international nations have warned that it might take an intolerable toll on civilians, with over a million people hiding there.
Israel claims it will evacuate people before conducting an assault.
Palestinian residents in Khan Younis, a community in southern Gaza that Israel has bombarded in recent months, reported seeing Israeli soldiers leave the city centre and retire to the eastern areas.
Iqra Khan 
Arshad Hussain