On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) withdrew its 98th Division from Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip, marking the end of ground operations in the enclave exactly six months after the October 7 attack.
According to an IDF statement quoted by local publications, military activity in Khan Yunis has recently decreased significantly, with only the Nahal Infantry Brigade remaining in the city.
Israeli army units will reportedly return to Khan Yunis "as necessary," and will launch and continue raids in other areas after receiving sufficient intelligence information.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel and breached the border, attacking both civilian neighborhoods and military bases. Nearly 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted during the attack.
Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. According to local authorities, over 33,100 people have been killed so far by Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, according to local authorities.
Take a look at Sputnik Africa's gallery to see what Khan Yunis looks like after the Israeli withdrawal.