Israel withdraws troops from southern Gaza as war marks 6 months

As the war in the Middle East hit the six-month mark on Sunday, the Israeli military announced it was scaling back its ground forces in southern Gaza, leaving just one brigade in place.

Israel has been gradually reducing its troop presence in the territory since the start of the year. According to the Israeli Defense Minister, the troops would be preparing for future operations in Gaza.

According to Reuters, Hamas did not comment on Monday, April 8. However, in Jerusalem, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz noted that the Cairo discussions are the nearest both parties have been to an agreement since the November truce, during which Hamas released numerous hostages.

“We have reached a critical point in the negotiations. If it works out, then a large number of hostages will come home,” Katz said on Israel’s Army Radio.

Israel and Hamas are sending delegations to Cairo, joining negotiators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to discuss a plan that could lead to a temporary ceasefire and the release of all hostages taken by Hamas on October 7.

Hamas has previously stated it would only agree to a deal if it led to an end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel maintains that after any short-term truce, it would continue its mission to eliminate Hamas.