Israel has withdrawn all ground troops except for one brigade from southern Gaza including Khan Younis area, six months after it launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip, according to local media on Sunday.

The one brigade, named Nahal, remains in central Gaza, splitting the strip in two and preventing the return of civilians from south to north of Gaza.

In addition, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reorganized itself around Gaza after new "security zones" were established, according to Israel's state-owned Kan TV news.

Israeli troops will now focus on "intelligence-based" raids and refreshing forces in preparation to return to Gaza if necessary, said the report, citing IDF sources.

The departure of troops is "not related to political pressure," it added.

SHOTLIST

Gaza Strip - April 6, 2024
1. Various of damaged buildings of Beit Hanoun seen from Israeli border;

FILE: Erez Crossing, Israel - Jan 18, 2024
2. Various of signs reading "welcome to Erez Crossing Point";
3. Various of Israel's military vehicles passing Erez Crossing, Israeli troops;

FILE: Khan Younis, Gaza Strip - Dec 2, 2023
4. Smoke rising from buildings after explosions, people fleeing;
5. Smoke rising after airstrike; locals;

FILE: Gaza Strip - March 2024
6. Various of destroyed buildings, residents.

[RESTRICTIONS: No access Chinese mainland]