The Chief of Staff after the withdrawal Khan Younes: "The war is far from over" / IDF Spokesman
Officials in the IDF clarified this evening (Monday) that the departure from Khan Yunis was necessary, in order to prepare for the maneuver in Rafah, with an emphasis on evacuating the population. It also allows the army to refresh the forces and raise the level of competence of the heavy vehicles - tanks, APCs, bulldozers and shovels. According to IDF estimates, at least two divisions will participate in the ground maneuver in the last city where the army has not so far maneuvered. IDF
officials clarified that it is very possible that if the deal to release the hostages does not progress, the forces may receive a "green light" from the political level for the maneuver, but on the other hand they warn, Because a deal can stop a maneuver in Rafah even if the forces operate in the heart of the city. Security officials clarified the issue that the IDF will stop at any point in time in favor of a deal to be decided by the political echelon.
The exit from Khan Yunis is necessary for the next maneuver. Ohvalim camp in Rafah, in February/Reuters
Sources in the security system clarified that although the effort to thwart senior terrorist organizations throughout the Gaza Strip continues, no one is ruling out the deportation of senior officials as part of a broad deal.
The sources also said that the IDF closely monitors the movements of civilians from Rafah to Khan Yunis, including what is happening in the north and center of the Gaza Strip, and this is to monitor Hamas's efforts to regain control. There is nowhere to go. Not just apartments and houses. They need infrastructure such as water and electricity," said one of the sources, noting that the ground maneuver left destruction behind.
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