However, the statement did not provide further details. It is unclear whether the withdrawal means Israel will not attack the southern Gaza city of Rafah - where half of Gaza's population has taken refuge, but which Israeli leaders have said is necessary to eliminate Hamas.
Israeli ground forces are said to be gradually withdrawing from southern Gaza. Photo: Nikkei
The withdrawal comes as Egypt prepares to host a new round of talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire and releasing hostages. Qatari and Egyptian mediators are trying to reach a deal that could see the release of some of the 129 hostages remaining in Gaza.
Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city and bordering Egypt, has become the last refuge for more than a million Palestinians, after they fled elsewhere to escape the bombardment of the war between Israel and Hamas.
According to Israeli statistics, more than 250 hostages were taken and about 1,200 people were killed in the attack on October 7 by Hamas. According to the Gaza Health Authority, more than 33,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's six-month-long military response campaign in Gaza.
Bui Huy (according to Reuters, Nikkei)
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