On Sunday, the IDF declared the cessation of the active invasion phase of the current conflict, with the prospect of a potential future incursion into Rafah in southern Gaza.

Regarding troop movements, the IDF has pulled back Division 98 from Khan Yunis in the southern region of Gaza, while retaining elements of the Nahal brigade and portions of Brigade 401 in the northern and central areas.

Despite assertions from a senior IDF figure that this decision was unrelated to US influence, its timing, immediately following the tragic incident where seven humanitarian aid workers were mistakenly killed by the IDF, is conspicuous.

The decision was made less than two days after Israel opened the Erez Crossing and Ashdod port to transfer humanitarian aid, Jerusalem Post has reported.

This move was prompted by the US threat of potentially withdrawing weapons support due to Israel’s prior refusal of such requests from Washington for several months.

Importantly, this decision allows Palestinians to freely move within southern Gaza and Khan Yunis, potentially creating a vacuum for the return of Hamas governance.

However, the IDF is maintaining a blockade, cutting off northern and central Gaza from the south.

Written by B.C. Begley