Israel Withdraws Troops from Gaza as Combat Focuses on Southern City
Thousands of Israeli soldiers are being pulled out of the Gaza Strip, marking the first significant drawdown of troops since the war began. This move comes as the military intensifies its focus on the main city in the southern half of the enclave. While this troop movement may indicate a scaling back of fighting in certain areas, fierce battles continue in other parts of Gaza.
The decision to withdraw troops coincides with Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the region and follows the Biden administration’s approval of an emergency weapons sale to Israel. The United States has been pressuring Israel to shift towards lower-intensity fighting. However, Israel remains committed to achieving its war aims, including dismantling Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for 16 years.
The Israeli military announced that several thousand troops, belonging to five brigades, will be taken out of Gaza in the coming weeks for training and rest. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an army spokesman, emphasized that the objectives of the war require prolonged fighting and that preparations are being made accordingly.
Since the war began, Israel has been determined to crush Hamas’ military and governing capabilities. The conflict was sparked by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of approximately 240 individuals. In response, Israel launched a comprehensive offensive involving air, ground, and sea operations. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 21,800 people have been killed, with two-thirds of them being women and children. Israel claims to have killed over 8,000 militants but has not provided evidence. The high civilian death toll is attributed to Hamas embedding itself within residential areas.
The war has caused mass displacement, with approximately 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents seeking shelter in Israeli-designated safe areas that have still been targeted by the military. Palestinians now feel that nowhere is safe in the tiny enclave.
In Khan Younis, where Israel has a significant presence, residents reported airstrikes and shelling in various parts of the city. The Palestinian Red Crescent transported several dead and injured individuals following a strike in Khan Younis. Combat has also been reported in urban refugee camps in central Gaza, where Israel has expanded its offensive.
While the troop withdrawal may be a response to US pressure, it also signifies a shift in Israel’s approach to the war in certain areas. Shlomo Brom, a retired brigadier general, believes that this marks the beginning of a different mode of operation.
Despite the mounting cost in soldiers’ lives, Israelis largely support the war aims. The military recently revealed that out of the 172 soldiers killed since the ground operation began, 18 were killed by friendly fire, and 11 died due to malfunctions or accidents.
Israel has stated that the war will continue for months as it aims to clear Gaza of militants’ weapons and infrastructure and prevent Hamas from launching further attacks. The country rejects calls for a long-term ceasefire, viewing it as a victory for Hamas.
As the conflict unfolds, the situation remains volatile and uncertain. The withdrawal of troops from certain areas may provide a temporary respite, but the war is far from over.