Israeli Army Withdrawal from Khan Yunis: Expert Analysis and Future Expectations
Watan-The Jordanian military expert, Brigadier General Fayez al-Duweiri, considered the announcement of the occupation army’s withdrawal from the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, except for the “Nachal Brigade,” as an unsurprising news that doesn’t bring anything new.
On Sunday, all Israeli army ground forces left the Gaza Strip, with Hebrew media announcing the end of ground maneuvers in the sector and the withdrawal of the 98th Brigade from the Khan Yunis area.
Al-Duweiri: Withdrawal of Israeli Occupation Forces from Khan Yunis “Not Surprising”
Al-Duweiri stated via the X platform that the same procedure was taken in the northern sector (Gaza City) when Division 36 withdrew, followed by the withdrawal of Division 99 from the central area, declaring its transition to the third phase. Then it returned and redeployed its forces again in battles in Shujaiya, Tuffah, Dair Al-Balah, Al-Ris, Al-Zaytoun, Sheikh Ajleen, Sheikh Radwan, Tell Al-Hawa, Al-Zaytoun, and finally, Al-Shefa Complex.
He added, “Similar operations were conducted in the central area in places like Al-Bureij, Al-Maghazi, and Al-Nuseirat. Therefore, there will be forthcoming battles in Al-Amal neighborhood, the heart of Khan Yunis, Bani Suheila, Abasan Al-Kabira, Al-Jadeeda, Al-Zanna, Al-Qarara, and others.”
The military expert said, “I expect all of this and more because resistance operations will continue, and the resistance will work on reorganizing its defensive capabilities, managing its battle, and healing its wounds.”
He emphasized that despite everything said by the Israeli army and despite all the destruction, the resistance remains cohesive and capable of continuing to confront the occupation forces, with many surprises awaiting everyone.
جيش الاحتلال يعلن سحب قواته من خان يونس بإستثناء لواء ناخال، خبر غير مفاجئ، ولا يحمل جديد، نفس الإجراء أتخذ في القاطع الشمالي / مدينة غزة، عندما سحب الفرقه٣٦ ، ثم سحب الفرقة ٩٩ من منطقة الوسط، معلناً تحوله إلى المرحلة الثالثة، ثوم عاد و دفع بقواته مجددا في معارك الشجاعية والتفاح…
— Fayez Al-Dwairi I اللواء فايز الدويري (@FayezAldwairi) April 7, 2024
The end of ground maneuvers and the withdrawal of the 98th Brigade from Khan Yunis
Israeli army radio confirmed the withdrawal of all units belonging to the 98th Brigade with its three battalions from the Khan Yunis area.
The radio added that only the “Nachal Brigade” remains in Gaza, operating in the Netzarim corridor separating the northern and southern parts of the Strip.
Hebrew media reported that the withdrawal of the 98th Brigade from Khan Yunis is part of preparations for an operation in Rafah.
The Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom quoted Israeli political sources as saying that the Israeli army’s mission in Khan Yunis aimed to dismantle a Hamas brigade and rescue hostages.
The sources indicated that the army in Khan Yunis is currently unable to achieve further achievements regarding the abducted individuals.
For its part, the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted sources in the Israeli army as saying that the army could return to Khan Yunis if necessary.
According to the same sources, “the army is preparing to continue operations against Hamas battalions that we have not dealt with in Deir al-Balah and Rafah.”
The Israeli army said that one reason for the withdrawal is to leave places for displaced persons who will be asked to leave Rafah.
Israeli army radio reported that five rockets were fired from Khan Yunis towards the Gaza envelope, with Iron Dome intercepting some of them after the forces withdrew.
