By Jerald Jimenez
07 Apr 2024, 1:40 PM EDT
After Israel began the process of withdrawing its ground troops from southern Gaza, only maintaining a bridge, US authorities clarified that this decision will be for its forces to “rest” and “recondition” themselves, in the midst of the negotiations. Israel with Hamas.
According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, speaking to ABC’s “This Week,” “this is just rest and re-equipment for these troops” and that “we can’t necessarily say anything indicative of any new operation.” next for these troops.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the Nahal Brigade will be the only unit remaining in Gaza on Sunday, stationed in the so-called Netzarim Corridor that divides the Palestinian enclave. This strategic troop position will allow the remaining soldiers to carry out raids in northern and central Gaza, in addition to facilitating the delivery of aid to the northern half of the enclave, Israeli sources say.
This withdrawal comes as Cairo prepares to host a new round of negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas, after the terrorist group has rejected several previous proposals.
For his part, former Israeli Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the troop withdrawal, arguing that “the continued decline in the size of” Israeli forces in Gaza “has distanced us from achieving the objectives of the war.” , as noted by the former official through X, formerly known as Twitter.
Six months after the start of the war, there are still 134 hostages in Gaza, who were kidnapped during the October 7 massacre initiated by Hamas. Ongoing negotiations seek a peaceful resolution to this humanitarian crisis.
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