Tel Aviv: The Israeli army has reduced its forces in the Gaza Strip to two divisions following the complete withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza. This strategic move comes after more than a year and three months of occupation in the area.

According to Anadolu Agency, the military downsized its presence by releasing the 99th Reserve Division and the Harel Reserve Brigade from their mission in the enclave. This reduction marks Israel's smallest troop deployment in Gaza since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. The 162nd Division currently holds control of part of the northern buffer zone, tasked with protecting Israeli settlements near the border. Meanwhile, the army's Gaza Division remains in charge of the southern buffer zone and the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border.

A ceasefire agreement has been in place since January 19, effectively halting the conflict that has resulted in the deaths of nearly 48,200 people and left Gaza devastated. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region. Furthermore, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in Gaza.