Tel aviv: The Israeli army has withdrawn its 98th Division from northern Gaza, a move that local media suggest may signal the approaching end of its ground offensive in the region. The announcement came on Thursday as part of a statement made by the army on X, highlighting the division's completion of its mission in the northern Gaza Strip after a period of intense combat, and its preparation for subsequent missions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the 98th Division had been actively engaged in operations within the Shejaiya and Zeitoun neighborhoods over recent weeks, having previously seen action in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Despite the withdrawal, no replacement forces have been announced, which has stirred speculation regarding the future of the military campaign.
The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth has interpreted the withdrawal as a possible indication that the military might soon declare the controversial ground campaign over. The campaign has faced extensive criticism for not succeeding in its objective to defeat Hamas or achieve its stated goals. Initiated on May 17, the offensive has resulted in the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza to the south, with Israeli forces maintaining control over occupied areas.
The 98th Division, also known as the 'Fire Division,' is an elite unit comprising paratroopers and commandos. It has been deployed and withdrawn multiple times since the onset of Israel's war on Gaza on October 7, 2023. The ongoing offensive has caused immense destruction, claiming the lives of over 60,200 Palestinians and leading to severe food shortages in the devastated enclave.
Additionally, on Monday, Israeli rights groups B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel accused the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza. They cited the systematic destruction of Palestinian society and the intentional dismantling of the territory's healthcare system as evidence. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.