"Israel Withdraws Troops from Gaza as Talks with Hamas Begin"

Israel has informed the White House that its troops are withdrawing from southern Gaza for "rest and refit," according to the National Security Council's John Kirby. The move comes after months of fighting, with Israel now having just one division in the Gaza Strip. The Biden administration has expressed opposition to a ground operation in southern Gaza and is seeking alternative options to address Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel has completed a phase of readiness for potential conflict along its northern border with Lebanon, and there are ongoing discussions about humanitarian assistance and accountability for civilian casualties in Gaza.