Israel pulling some troops from southern Gaza

Israel’s military quietly drew down troops in devastated northern Gaza earlier in the war (Leo Correa/AP)

Israel’s military has announced it is drawing back some forces from a Hamas stronghold in southern Gaza following a major phase of its offensive, bringing troop presence in the territory to one of the lowest levels since the six-month war began.

The forces will recuperate and prepare for future operations while a significant number remain elsewhere in Gaza, said Israeli military officials.