GAZA, APRIL 8
Israeli troops have withdrawn from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, wrapping up a key phase in its ground offensive against the Hamas militant group.
Defense officials said that troops were merely regrouping as the army prepares to move into what they say is Hamas' last stronghold, Rafah.
Israel for weeks has vowed a ground offensive in Rafah. But the southernmost city shelters some 1.4 million people - more than half of Gaza's population. The prospect of an offensive has raised global alarm, including from Israel's top ally, the U.S., which has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians.
The Palestinian death toll from the war has passed 33,200, with nearly 76,000 wounded, Gaza's Health Ministry said. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.
The war began Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.
