Netanyahu promises Israelis victory, after large-scale Gaza withdrawal

The Israeli occupation is “one step away from victory,” Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, claimed on Sunday after news broke out that almost all Israeli occupation forces combat units withdrew from the Gaza Strip.

In the same address, Netanyahu vowed that his government will not agree to a truce until the Palestinian Resistance frees all Israeli captives, most of whom are military personnel taken captive on October 7, 2023. 

“We are one step away from victory,” Netanyahu said. “But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking.”

“There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just won’t happen,” the Israeli Prime Minister said, as mediated talks were expected to resume in Cairo between the Israeli side and the Palestinian Resistance.

Earlier today, Israeli media outlets reported on the withdrawal of the 98th Division, comprising three brigades, including the 7th Armored Brigade, from Khan Younis after four months of confrontations there.

Only one brigade, the Nahal Patrol Brigade, remained stationed in the Gaza Strip. It was emphasized that the brigade’s main task was to secure the Netzarim Corridor, to impede the return of Gaza residents to the northern Strip.

Palestinian Resistance fighters force IOF out of Khan Younis

On Saturday, the Palestinian Resistance, in the southern Gaza Strip, dealt casualties to Israeli occupation forces operating in the area. By its own admission, the Israeli military command said that four of its soldiers and officers were killed in confrontations in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday.

The four troops killed were Captain Ido Baruch, a commander in the Commando Brigade, and three other sergeants from the same unit. 

On the other hand, Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades announced several operations and ambushes that its forces conducted in the southern Gaza Strip. 

Al Mayadeen‘s correspondent mentioned that the Israeli occupation forces faced two heavy incidents in Khan Younis: the first in the al-Zanna area west of the city, and the second in the al-Amal neighborhood to its east.

He noted that rescue operations carried out by the Israeli forces following the al-Zanna ambush were later concealed by missile launches and intense shelling in that area.

Our correspondent confirmed that at least three Israeli military helicopters landed east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip to transfer the bodies of the killed and wounded soldiers.