Israel is Pulling Thousands of Troops from Gaza as Combat Focuses on Enclave Main Southern City

Defense News , Israel & Gaza War :- The Israeli military announced on Monday that it is initiating a significant withdrawal of thousands of soldiers from the Gaza Strip, marking the first substantial reduction in troop presence since the commencement of the ongoing war. This move suggests a potential scaling back of hostilities in certain areas, particularly in the northern half of Gaza, where the military is nearing operational control.

The decision comes amid mounting pressure from the United States, Israel primary ally, to shift towards lower-intensity conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken upcoming visit to the region adds significance to this development. The Biden administration, for the second time this month, approved an emergency weapons sale to Israel without congressional involvement.

While the withdrawal indicates a potential de-escalation, intense fighting persists in some parts of Gaza, notably in the southern city of Khan Younis and central areas. Israel remains committed to achieving its war objectives, including the dismantling of Hamas, which has governed Gaza for 16 years.

The Israeli military clarified that five brigades, comprising several thousand troops, would be withdrawn from Gaza in the coming weeks for training and rest. Despite the troop movement, the army emphasized its readiness for prolonged conflict to achieve its goals.

Since the conflict initiation following Hamas attack on southern Israel in October, Israel has pursued an extensive air, ground, and sea offensive. The toll on Gaza has been substantial, with over 21,800 casualties, predominantly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel claims to have killed over 8,000 militants, holding Hamas responsible for civilian casualties, citing its use of residential areas for military purposes.

The war has displaced 85% of Gaza 2.3 million residents, fostering a sense of insecurity even in areas designated as Israeli-designated safe zones, which have been targeted in bombings.

In the southern city of Khan Younis, airstrikes and shelling continue, with reported clashes between the military and the Islamic Jihad militant group. Urban refugee camps in central Gaza also witness ongoing combat.

As the conflict persists, Israel has vowed to continue its operations for months, rejecting international calls for a long-term ceasefire. The recent troop withdrawal may indicate a shift in Israel approach to certain areas of the conflict, possibly influenced by U.S. pressure. The war duration and the toll on soldiers lives remain sources of concern, with 172 soldiers killed as of Monday, including cases of friendly fire and equipment-related incidents. Retired Brigadier General Shlomo Brom suggests that this troop adjustment marks the beginning of a different operational phase in the ongoing conflict, reflecting evolving strategies in response to external pressures.