Israel pulls its ground troops from southern Gaza | First Thing

After four months of fighting in Khan Younis - and amid ceasefire talks - Israel withdraws troops for tactical reasons'. Plus: a total solar eclipse

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Israel has pulled all of its ground troops out of southern Gaza for tactical reasons", the country's army has said, relieving reservists after nearly four months of intense fighting in the decimated southern city of Khan Younis. Displaced Palestinians from the city may now be able to return to their homes.

How are the truce talks in Cairo going? Negotiations in the Egyptian capital have made significant progress", the Egyptian state-linked outlet Al-Qahera reported on Monday. The Qatari and Hamas delegations were expected to return within two days to finalize the terms of the agreement".

What is being discussed? Before the new talks began, Hamas reiterated its demands issued in a 14 March proposal, which include a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a return of displaced people to their homes, and a serious" exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.