Israeli ground forces have reportedly withdrawn from the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, marking a partial pullout six months into the ongoing conflict initiated on October 7. Despite this withdrawal, Israel maintains a significant military presence in other parts of the besieged Palestinian territory, with intentions to conduct further operations, particularly in the city of Rafah.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel to be “one step away from victory” and emphasized that there will be no ceasefire without the release of all prisoners held by Hamas. Netanyahu’s remarks came as talks for a potential truce and prisoner exchange deal were set to resume in Cairo, with the involvement of US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators. CIA chief Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani are slated to join Egyptian officials for these indirect negotiations.
While Israeli forces withdrew from certain areas, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that they are preparing for future operations, including in Rafah. The situation remains tense, with ongoing airstrikes reported in Khan Yunis and Rafah during the night.
Meanwhile, domestic pressure mounts on Netanyahu, with tens of thousands of protesters gathering in Tel Aviv and other cities demanding “elections now.” Among the demonstrators was opposition leader Yair Lapid, adding to the growing discontent with the government.
In the midst of the conflict, aid agencies have decried the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing it as “beyond catastrophic.” The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) highlighted the devastating toll of the six-month war, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian intervention to prevent further suffering.
UN agencies, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, have condemned the loss of innocent lives, particularly children, and called for an end to the violence. With millions of lives at risk of hunger and countless others suffering, there is an urgent call for international action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
