israel-withdraws-troops-turning-point-in-israel-hamas-conflict

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed the withdrawal of all ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip after an extended four-month engagement in the Khan Younis area, as reported by Israeli media outlets. This withdrawal took place overnight on Saturday, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.

 

At present, only one brigade, Nahal, remains stationed in the Gaza Strip. This brigade's primary responsibility is to secure the Netzarim Corridor, a vital passage spanning from the Be’eri area in southern Israel to the coast of the Strip.

 

The corridor serves as a strategic route for IDF operations in northern and central Gaza while also impeding Palestinian movement towards the northern region of the Strip. Furthermore, it facilitates direct humanitarian aid delivery to northern Gaza, underscoring its importance in the region's dynamics.

 

Today, Israel commemorates six months since the onset of hostilities against the Hamas terrorist organisation. The IDF has released updated data on its operations across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Lebanon, shedding light on various aspects of its engagements.

 

According to the provided data, the IDF has neutralised over 13,000 Hamas operatives and members of other terror groups in the Gaza Strip since the conflict's inception. This figure includes approximately 1,000 terrorists who infiltrated Israel on October 7, perpetrating violence and abducting civilians.

 

Additionally, the IDF has eliminated five Hamas brigade commanders and their equivalents, along with more than 20 battalion commanders and over 100 company commanders and operatives of similar rank.

 

In Lebanon, the IDF's operations have targeted more than 330 terror operatives, primarily affiliated with the Iran-backed Hezbollah organisation. Among the casualties are 30 Hezbollah commanders, reflecting the severity of the IDF's strikes in the region.

 

The IDF's relentless campaign has seen the destruction of over 32,000 targets within the Gaza Strip, with a significant portion identified as Hamas facilities during the conflict. These strikes underscore Israel's commitment to dismantling terrorist infrastructure while minimising civilian casualties.

 

Since the conflict's onset, Gaza-based militants have launched approximately 9,100 projectiles into Israel, posing a continuous threat to civilian populations. In addition, Lebanon and Syria have contributed to the barrage with 3,100 and 35 projectiles, respectively.

 

Turning attention to the West Bank, IDF operations have resulted in the arrest of over 3,700 Palestinians, including more than 1,600 individuals associated with Hamas. Furthermore, IDF forces have neutralised 420 armed individuals in the region, mitigating security risks and maintaining stability.

 

The IDF's comprehensive data offers insights into the multifaceted nature of its operations, emphasising its commitment to safeguarding Israeli citizens and countering threats from hostile entities.

 

As Israel transitions from active engagement to strategic deterrence, the withdrawal of ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict.