Palestinians return to Khan Younis as Israel withdraws troops

Summary

1. Palestinians have begun returning to the devastated city of Khan Younis, after Israel says it is reducing the numbers of soldiers in southern Gaza
2. Israel's military stresses a "significant force" will remain in Gaza, with the defence minister saying troops had to prepare for future operations
3. The pull-out is being interpreted as tactical, rather than a sign the war may be moving closer to its end
4. Khan Younis has been under Israeli bombardment for months - the city and surrounding area are largely destroyed
5. One man, now living in Rafah, tells BBC News he is "filled with hope as my neighbour in a tent from Khan Younis was able to return home"
6. Meanwhile, international pressure for a ceasefire is mounting as negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue in Cairo
7. The US warned last week that its ongoing support for Israel was dependent on "specific, concrete steps" to boost aid and prevent civilian deaths