IDF Withdraws from Southern Gaza, but Conflict with Hamas Persists

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have officially concluded their active ground invasion in southern Gaza, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict in the region.

The decision to withdraw from the area was announced on Sunday, less than two days after Israel opened the Erez Crossing and Ashdod port to facilitate the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

According to the IDF, the active invasion stage of the conflict has been concluded for now, with the possibility of future operations in the deep southern region of Rafah remaining open.

This withdrawal involves the removal of all of Division 98 from Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, while maintaining a presence of one plus brigades, including the Nahal brigade and portions of Brigade 401, in northern and central Gaza.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi emphasised that despite the withdrawal, the war against Hamas continues and is far from over.

In a press statement, he stated, “We are fighting this war differently; it is different from its predecessors.”

He underscored the ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas from both its military and governmental capabilities, highlighting the importance of bringing stability to the region.

Halevi emphasised the urgency of returning hostages held by Hamas, stating that this objective takes precedence over other goals.

He reiterated the IDF’s commitment to continue efforts, both intelligence and operational, to swiftly return all hostages.

Acknowledging the complexities of the situation, he emphasised the need for responsible and careful negotiation talks.

“While significant achievements have been made in fighting in Gaza, the goals have not yet been fully achieved,” Halevi stated.

These goals include the return of all hostages, the safe return of residents to their homes, and the dismantling of Hamas’s presence in the entire Gaza Strip.

While Israeli officials assert that the decision to withdraw was not influenced by external pressure, the timing of the withdrawal coincides with heightened scrutiny following the mistaken killing of seven humanitarian aid workers by IDF forces last week.

This incident, coupled with pressure from the United States, which threatened to withhold weapons support, likely influenced the decision-making process in Jerusalem.

The withdrawal has significant implications for the Palestinian population in Gaza.

While residents of southern Gaza and Khan Yunis may now move freely within their region, there remains a divide between northern and central Gaza, where movement is restricted.

This division leaves over two million Palestinians, predominantly residents of northern Gaza, separated from their communities.

At the height of the conflict, the IDF had deployed five divisions comprising between 30,000 and 40,000 ground forces deep into Gaza, with additional forces encircling the Strip.

However, a reduction in forces occurred in mid-January when the IDF declared operational control over northern Gaza and released Division 63 to return to its standard duties along the northern border.

Division 98 had been engaged in operations targeting Hamas forces in and around Khan Yunis since December, with the primary objective of achieving concessions from Hamas in hostage exchange negotiations.

Hamas, in response to the IDF withdrawal, has declared it a victory, aligning with their demand for Israeli troop withdrawals.

The focus now shifts to the possibility of an invasion of Rafah by the IDF, negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas, and further concessions by Israel.

Israeli officials have framed the withdrawal from Khan Yunis as potentially facilitating the return of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to Rafah, thereby easing evacuation efforts if necessary.

Additionally, the IDF highlights its capability to swiftly penetrate and neutralise Hamas military units, as demonstrated by its operation to retake Shifa Hospital.

Politicians and advocacy groups have expressed varying reactions to the withdrawal, with some acknowledging the strategic implications and others calling for continued military pressure to achieve broader objectives.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum has urged the government to prioritise the release of hostages held in Gaza, emphasising the need for a comprehensive victory for Israel.

As the situation evolves, the delicate balance of power in the region remains uncertain, with implications for both Israeli and Palestinian populations.