
People and health workers unearth bodies found at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on April 23, 2024.AFP
Wednesday’s announcement came as Israel prepared for a ground invasion of Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than half of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million is sheltering.
An offensive there has raised international concern over the potential harm to civilians. Israel has been gradually reducing the number of troops it has in the territory, but officials have said that was with the aim of regrouping as the army prepares to move into Rafah.
In a statement Wednesday, the Israeli military said the brigades would be involved in “defensive and tactical missions” in Gaza, without elaborating. It said the soldiers have been studying the main lessons from the fighting in Gaza ahead of their deployment.
The military said the brigades had previously been operating along Israel’s northern border, where the Hezbollah group and Israeli forces have been exchanging fire throughout the war in Gaza.
Short link: