Netanyahu reiterated his vow that there will be no cease-fire until hostages are released.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced a complete withdrawal of ground forces from southern Gaza, leaving a smaller contingent to continue operations in the entire strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire without the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. The majority of troops will be withdrawing from Khan Younis, a key stronghold of Hamas in the south.

The IDF’s 98th commando division completed its mission in Khan Yunis and has left Gaza to prepare for future operations. However, a significant force led by the 162nd division and the Nahal brigade will remain active in Gaza, ensuring the IDF’s freedom of action and ability to conduct precise intelligence-based operations.

Netanyahu has assured his cabinet that the war in Gaza will continue, stating that “there is no war more just than this one.” He has made it clear to the international community that there will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages, a stance supported by the Biden administration. Netanyahu also accused Hamas of preventing a deal with its extreme demands, which are aimed at ensuring its survival and ability to pose a threat to Israeli citizens and soldiers.

 

The war against Hamas has entered its sixth month, with no immediate end in sight. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Hamas has largely ceased functioning as a military organization in most parts of Gaza, but there is still work to be done elsewhere. The IDF has been pushing to invade Rafah, a town bordering Egypt that hosts around 1 million displaced Palestinians and is believed to be the last stronghold of Hamas. However, plans to invade the region are opposed by both Biden and Netanyahu, due to concerns over the potential loss of civilian lives.