In a strategic move, Israeli troops are being withdrawn from the battle-scarred city of Khan Younis as they gear up for a new offensive into Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, announced Yoav Gallant, Israel's defense minister, on Sunday.

Addressing military commanders, Gallant explained that the forces were temporarily being pulled out of Khan Younis, situated about 10 kilometers from the Egyptian border, in order to prepare for future missions in the Rafah area. This decision comes as Israel reiterates its stance that hostilities will continue until Hamas no longer controls the Gaza Strip and ceases to pose a threat to Israeli citizens.

Earlier on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its elite 98th division had successfully completed its mission and was now preparing to pull back and recuperate.

Rafah, which lies on the southernmost border of the Gaza Strip next to Egypt, had previously been designated as a safe zone for civilians fleeing the widespread destruction in the more densely populated northern areas. The invasion by Israel, prompted by attacks from Hamas that resulted in the death of nearly 1,200 Israeli civilians on October 7, has left an estimated 1.7 million Palestinians displaced. The dire situation has led humanitarian groups to warn of the looming risk of famine for the entire population.

It has been reported that four battalions of Hamas fighters are currently stationed in Rafah. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned in February that an assault on Rafah would have severe consequences for humanitarian aid operations and further leave civilians without support. Just last week, the IDF admitted to killing seven aid workers in operational errors, after repeatedly hitting a World Central Kitchen convoy distributing food in central Gaza.

The United States and other Western allies have consistently called on Israel to exercise restraint and avoid launching an all-out attack on Rafah. Washington has urged for a more targeted approach to minimize civilian casualties. The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, expressed grave concern over the Israeli government's plans for a possible ground operation in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians are seeking shelter from the ongoing fighting.

Since the start of the fighting in Gaza five months ago, it is estimated that over 30,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the conflict. The situation remains tense as Israeli troops regroup for their next offensive in Rafah, while the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging for a peaceful resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all civilians involved.