Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza claimed the lives of at least 35 people on Sunday, according to hospital officials, intensifying the conflict in the region. This escalation follows Israel’s Prime Minister’s statement that the war will persist for “many more months,” disregarding international calls for a ceasefire.
On Monday, the Israeli military disclosed a significant withdrawal of thousands of soldiers from the Gaza Strip, marking the first notable reduction in troop presence since the commencement of the war. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army spokesman, highlighted that some reservists would return to their families and work, providing relief for the economy. He emphasised that this move aims to gather strength for upcoming activities in the coming year, affirming that the fighting will persist.
The troop withdrawal suggests a potential scaling back of hostilities in specific areas of Gaza, particularly in the northern half, where the military is nearing operational control. The United States, Israel’s chief ally, has reportedly been urging a shift to lower-intensity fighting.
The announcement preceded US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the region and followed the Biden administration’s approval of an emergency weapons sale to Israel, bypassing Congress for the second time this month.
Despite the drawdown, intense fighting persisted in various areas of Gaza, particularly in the southern city of Khan Younis and the central territories.
The Israeli military revealed that five brigades, comprising several thousand troops, would be withdrawn from Gaza in the coming weeks for training and rest. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports over 21,800 deaths, with Israel claiming the majority were militants. The war has displaced approximately 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, creating a pervasive sense of insecurity in the enclave.