Israel removes troops from Khan Younis, turns focus to Rafah

(NewsNation) — Israeli military troops are withdrawing from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, which has been marked by intense fighting as the war against Hamas surpasses six months.

The withdrawal comes as Israel faces global pressure to de-escalate tensions. While some hoped for de-escalation, Israeli defense officials clarified they’re regrouping.

The current plan is to move ground troops into Hamas’ last stronghold in the southern city of Rafah, a strategy that has been in the works for weeks. The plan has drawn strong condemnation from U.S. officials who fear mass civilian casualties because more than a million refugees are living in Rafah.

President Joe Biden called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently, warning of significant consequences, including freezing weapons deliveries from the U.S., if Israel doesn’t change its strategy.

“What I can tell you is that, as the president made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu, we got to see some changes in the way they’re prosecuting these operations, or we’re going to have to think about making changes in our own policy towards Gaza,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, explaining the call between Biden and Netanyahu.

Biden is demanding more border crossing to open for refugees to leave and more aid to get in. Additionally, he’s calling for the release of more hostages. Tal Heinrich, Netanyahu’s spokesperson, told NewsNation’s Chris Stirewalt that Israel also seeks the release of hostages, but with an important condition attached.

“We want to see all hostages coming back home,” Heinrich said. “We want, of course, to make sure that Gaza will never pose a terror threat to us again, and that includes eliminating Hamas.”

The demands come shortly after seven relief workers with World Central Kitchen were killed in a Gaza airstrike.

Regarding prospects of peace, an Israeli military chief stated, “The war in Gaza continues, and we are far from stopping.”