Israel pulls troops from southern Gaza, South Carolina wins the NCAA championship: Weekend Rundown
NBCApr 22
Israel Pulls Troops From Khan Younis
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The Facts
The Israel Defense Force (IDF) Sunday announced that its 98th Division had concluded its mission and was withdrawing from the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza after months of intense fighting.
At the beginning of the war, Khan Younis served as a safe haven for Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza. In December, however, residents and refugees were told to evacuate as Israeli forces entered the area.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel's withdrawal decision shows it has achieved many of its goals and will now focus on potential Hamas enclaves in other parts of the Strip. Although the IDF may need to enter Rafah, Palestinians are now free to move throughout southern Gaza and Khan Younis.
Pro-Palestine narrative
This withdrawal is nothing to celebrate for the Palestinians from southern Gaza. Besides dozens of thousands left dead, those alive have no place to return nor the ability to retrieve the bodies of their slain neighbors as a result of Israel's abhorrent bombing campaign.
