The IDF last week withdrew its last reserve brigade from the Gaza Strip, the 646th

The IDF last week withdrew its last reserve brigade from the Gaza Strip, the 646th Brigade, as the military nears the end of its offensive in Khan Younis.

Troops of the reserve paratroopers brigade first operated in central Gaza and then in Khan Younis in the past months, killing numerous Hamas operatives, locating weapons, and destroying tunnels, the IDF says.

The IDF has been withdrawing much of its reservist forces from the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, leaving the standing army to continue the fighting against Hamas.

Military officials say the IDF aims to release reservists to help bounce back Israel's economy and give them a break before they are likely called up again, as the fighting in Gaza is expected to last all year, and there are fears of an escalation in the north amid daily attacks by Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, the IDF's main offensive in Khan Younis is close to being wrapped up, although no exact date for its end has been decided, according to military officials.

The Hamas battalions in the area have been dismantled, but the IDF is expected to continue to operate in the area to reach several smaller objectives.