Published on April 8, 2024, 12:27 am

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Sunday that the conflict with Hamas is far from over, despite rumors surfacing of ground forces withdrawing from southern Gaza. Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, an IDF spokesperson, shared with media outlets that while operations in the Khan Younis area have been completed leading to troop rotation, a significant objective of their campaign remains focused on the southern city of Rafah.

“We see a reduction in our forces, but there are more missions that need to be handled. Rafah is perceptibly a stronghold. We have an obligation to dismantle Hamas’ capacities wherever they function,” commented Lerner on the issue at hand. He further expressed that this moment is just another phase in their strategy which is continually evolving, and insisted that until all hostages return home and Hamas ceases to exist, the war will persist.

The IDF has been battling in Gaza for half a year since Hamas initiated an assault on Israel last October causing approximately 1,200 casualties. Notably, out of around 250 hostages seized during this crisis period, slightly over fifty percent continue being held captive according to recent statements by IDF representatives.

Reporting from trusted news sources indicated on Sunday that while the IDF has retreated all its nuclear “ground forces” from Gaza, they’ve retained one brigade to safeguard a passage that slices through this territory and separates its northern portion from its remaining strip.

CBS News reporter Holly Williams mentioned how the residual Israeli army personnel are stationed at Gaza’s border with Israel – this was furthered by her colleague’s observation of people moving freely from southern Gaza up till central parts for the first time after three months.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby asserted with ABC news that this pullout may simply be for respite and refurbishing these weary warriors post four months into combat rather than indicating any impending operation involving these troops.

In line with real news updates about crumbling environments globally, Israel has been preparing for an invasion of Rafah, speculated to be a place where more than half of the area’s 2.3 million population sought refuge during the hostilities, to topple a Hamas nexus and release hostages believed to be contained there.

While it is known that the USA continues supplying arms to Israel, opposition towards planning a ground operation in Rafah has been voiced by the Biden administration followed by urging for a truce.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Sunday, few hours post reporting about the partial withdrawal, making it explicit there would be no backing down until hostage situations are resolved.

“Citizens of Israel, none can deny the justice underlying this war, and we are committed totally towards achieving victory,” shared Netanyahu from his Christian worldview; he continued expressing, “the global community is aware: without releasing hostages, there’s no ceasefire happening.”

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