Occupation withdraws Division 252 from northern Gaza and deploys Division 99 to continue operations

The Israeli occupation army announced on Wednesday the withdrawal of military Division 252 from areas in the northern Gaza Strip, after four months of intensive military operations. These operations caused massive destruction to residential neighborhoods and infrastructure, leaving widespread waves of forced displacement of Palestinian residents in those areas.

Sources reported that the withdrawn division, which comprises more than 10,000 soldiers, has completed its assigned combat missions in the north. A statement by the occupation army clarified that Division 99 will take over in the next phase, to follow up on military activities and ensure continued field control in the area that witnessed fierce confrontations.

The occupation army command claimed that Division 252 forces, during their presence, managed to destroy weapons depots and observation points, in addition to targeting above-ground and underground infrastructure. However, military sources did not provide any independent field evidence to support these claims, amid continuous obfuscation regarding the true extent of losses or details of the remaining military deployment within the Strip.

In a related context, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed his field ambitions, indicating that Israeli forces currently control about 60% of the Gaza Strip's area. Netanyahu affirmed that the military plan aims to raise this percentage to 70% in the coming period, which reflects the occupation's intention to expand the area of permanent military presence.

These field movements come at a time when reports indicate that Israel had previously announced its control over 53% of the total area of the Strip. The discrepancy in the announced figures shows the extent of confusion or continuous changes in field plans that follow partial withdrawals linked to political understandings or international pressures, including what is known as the former US administration's plan.

Regarding human losses, the toll of the ongoing aggression since October 7, 2023, continues to record catastrophic numbers, with Palestinian medical sources reporting the martyrdom of about 73,000 and the injury of 173,000 others. Statistics confirm that the vast majority of victims are women and children, amid destruction affecting nearly 90% of vital and civilian facilities in Gaza.

Despite the official announcement of a ceasefire that came into effect in October 2025, the field reality indicates the continuation of military operations and intermittent shelling. The occupation also continues to impose strict restrictions on the entry of humanitarian and medical aid, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and leading to more civilian casualties daily due to hunger and lack of healthcare.

Division 252 completed its mission in the northern Strip, and Division 99 will take over the continuation of military operations in the area during the next phase.