Israel Withdraws Troops from Khan Younis After Month-Long Military Operation

Israel Withdraw

After nearly a month of military engagement, Israel has withdrawn its forces from Khan Younis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip.

At a Glance

  • Thousands of Palestinians are returning to Khan Younis after a week-long Israeli military operation.
  • The operation aimed to disrupt Hamas forces reassembling in the city.
  • The conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths.
  • Israel’s withdrawal from southern Gaza comes as ceasefire talks in Cairo continue.

Military Withdrawal in Context

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have officially withdrawn from Khan Younis, a move that follows an intense month-long military operation. This operation largely targeted Hamas forces, which Israel accuses of using the area to regroup and launch attacks. Thousands of Palestinians are now returning to their homes, many of which have been severely damaged or completely destroyed by the conflict.

According to local sources, approximately 150,000 Palestinians fled their homes due to the operation, which also claimed over 250 Palestinian lives and left more than 300 injured. The IDF states that they killed over 150 Hamas militants during the engagement, although these claims have faced some scrutiny. Weapons stockpiles, tunnel networks, and other military assets were among the targets during the offensive.

Impact on Local Population

Returning residents of Khan Younis found extensive damage to their homes and infrastructure. Witnesses have reported that the IDF bulldozed the main cemetery in Bani Suhaila and caused significant damage to nearby roads and homes. Aid workers are currently tasked with collecting and transporting dead bodies from the streets. The destruction was not limited to buildings but also severely affected utilities and public amenities.

“I am coming back and I have faith in God. I don’t know whether we will live or die, but it is all for the sake of the homeland,” said Etimad Al-Masri.

This situation presents a human rights and humanitarian crisis. UN data indicates that over half of Gaza’s homes and 85% of its schools have sustained damage. Many essential services are either entirely disrupted or functioning at minimal capacity. This includes only 16 out of 36 hospitals, which are partially functional due to the extensive destruction.

Political and Military Implications

The withdrawal of Israeli forces coincides with ongoing ceasefire discussions taking place in Cairo, which involve delegations from both Hamas and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu committed to U.S. President Joe Biden to reopen a key land crossing into Gaza and facilitate additional aid. This commitment followed warnings from the U.S. regarding potential shifts in support if humanitarian conditions did not improve.

This operation is part of a broader conflict that began in October with a Hamas attack on Israel, leading to about 1,200 Israeli deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. With over 39,000 Palestinians reported dead and tens of thousands injured, the scale of human loss on both sides is staggering. Israel’s stated tactical need for the withdrawal also aims to relieve its reservists, who have borne the brunt of the combat in Khan Younis.

As ceasefire negotiations progress, the international community closely watches both the humanitarian fallout and potential diplomatic resolutions. The emphasis on resuming normalcy and aid in Gaza remains a pivotal point for ongoing discussions. With significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life, both Israelis and Palestinians face immense challenges going forward.

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