The Israeli military has withdrawn its ground forces from Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, shifting its attention towards securing the strategic Netzarim Corridor.
Following months of intense conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday the conclusion of its mission in Khan Younis by the 98th division, which has now departed for rest and future operations planning.
However, a substantial contingent, led by the 162nd division and the Nahal brigade, remains operational in other parts of the enclave.
The IDF’s decision to withdraw from Khan Younis, a site of prolonged fighting, raises questions about the next phase of Israel’s military strategy, particularly concerning the heavily populated area of Rafah, which has so far avoided direct ground engagements.
Reports from Israeli public broadcaster Channel 11 and CNN affiliate reveal that the remaining Israeli forces have been redeployed to strategic positions along the Netzarim Corridor.
This corridor, intersecting one of Gaza’s primary north-south roads, Salaheddin Street, serves as a crucial junction for military operations.
During recent operations in Khan Younis, IDF commando units conducted extensive raids and searches in the Al-Amal neighborhood, uncovering what they described as “terrorist infrastructure” in numerous locations.
A tunnel stretching approximately 900 meters was reportedly discovered, with the military claiming to have eliminated several militants during the operation.
