In a significant development, the Israeli military announced its withdrawal of ground forces from the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza after months of intense fighting. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on Sunday that its 98th division had successfully concluded its mission in Khan Younis and would now recuperate and prepare for future operations.

While the IDF did not specify the exact number of troops withdrawn from Gaza, it is noteworthy that the 98th division was the largest-ever division specifically bolstered to combat Hamas in Khan Younis. The division's departure marks a significant shift in military strategy.

Although CNN teams along the Gaza border have not witnessed large-scale withdrawals, they have observed a substantial number of tanks pulling out of Khan Younis overnight. These tanks are now stationed on the border between Gaza and Israel.

The IDF reinforced that a significant force, led by the 162nd division and the Nahal brigade, would continue operating in the Gaza strip to ensure the IDF's freedom of action and its ability to conduct precise intelligence-based operations.

The reasons for the withdrawal remain undisclosed, as the IDF declined to comment when questioned by CNN. There is also uncertainty regarding whether there are any remaining Israeli forces on the ground in southern Gaza.

Additionally, it remains unclear how this withdrawal will impact Israel's plans to invade Rafah, the southernmost part of Gaza, which has served as a refuge for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Israel has emphasized that an incursion into Rafah is necessary to eliminate Hamas from Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the troops' departure from Gaza was part of their preparation for follow-up missions, including in the Rafah region. He emphasized that Hamas no longer controls the Gaza Strip as a military framework threatening the citizens of Israel.

Minister Gallant commended the success of Israeli forces in Khan Younis, citing the destruction of enemy targets, warehouses, weapons, underground infrastructure, headquarters, and communication rooms.

According to the Israeli public broadcaster Channel 11, the remaining forces will be positioned along the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic route that splits the Gaza Strip in two. The corridor intersects Gaza's main north-south road, Salaheddin Street, creating a central junction.

The IDF reported that its commando units raided and searched over a hundred locations in Khan Younis' Al-Amal neighborhood, uncovering a lengthy tunnel and eliminating terrorists. However, CNN cannot independently verify these claims.

This development comes in the midst of increasing pressure from the United States, Israel's major ally, to protect civilians and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. During a recent call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden urged Netanyahu to take immediate action to address the ongoing crisis or face consequences.

The IDF's campaign against Hamas began in Gaza's north shortly after the October 7 attacks, resulting in the loss of approximately 1,200 lives. Khan Younis initially served as a safer zone for northern Gaza residents seeking shelter. However, as the IDF shifted its focus to the south, the city became a major battleground, suffering immense devastation.

The IDF claims that Khan Younis is a stronghold for Hamas, asserting that the tunnel network beneath civilian structures in the city was likely where the October 7 attacks were planned. Khan Younis also holds significance as the hometown of Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.

As this is a developing story, further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.