Israeli Army Withdraws Most Ground Forces from Southern Gaza

An Israeli military spokesperson announced today, Sunday, that "the army has withdrawn all ground forces from the southern Gaza Strip except for one battalion." The Israeli army has not yet provided further details. It is unclear whether the withdrawal will delay the much-anticipated incursion into the city of Rafah in the southern sector, which Israeli officials have stated is necessary to eliminate the Hamas movement. The withdrawal comes as Egypt prepares to host a new round of negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages.