Israel Withdraws Soldiers from Gaza, Shifting War Effort to Principal Southern City

The Israeli military has begun withdrawing thousands of troops from the Gaza Strip, marking the first significant reduction of forces since the onset of the war. This move seems to indicate a de-escalation of conflict in some parts of Gaza, particularly the northern region where Israel is nearing operational control. Despite pressure from the United States for Israel to engage in less intense combat, the fighting remains fierce in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis and central areas.

The troop reduction precedes a scheduled visit to the region by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and follows the U.S. administration’s decision to bypass Congress for a second time this month to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel.

Israel’s military operation, aimed at dismantling Hamas, which has governed Gaza for 16 years, continues despite the drawdown. The military stated that five brigades, amounting to several thousand troops, are being removed from Gaza for training and rest. However, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, in a Sunday briefing, did not clarify whether this troop withdrawal signals a new phase in the war, emphasizing that the war’s objectives require prolonged fighting.

The war began in response to Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and about 240 hostages. Israel’s subsequent comprehensive offensive in Gaza has led to over 21,800 deaths, with two-thirds being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel asserts that over 8,000 militants have been killed, though it has not provided evidence to support this claim. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian casualty count, accusing the group of embedding within residential areas, including schools and hospitals.

The conflict has displaced approximately 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, forcing many to seek shelter in areas designated as safe by Israel, despite these areas being targeted in bombings.

In Khan Younis, intense military activity continues, with residents reporting airstrikes and shelling. Clashes between the military and Islamic Jihad militants have also been reported. The Palestinian Red Crescent has transported casualties from these areas, indicating ongoing combat.

Israel expanded its offensive to urban refugee camps in central Gaza last week, with residents reporting constant bombings and casualties.

A recent Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed Adel Mismah, a regional commander of Hamas’ elite forces. At the same time, Hamas launched a significant rocket attack on Israel, including Tel Aviv, as New Year’s Eve approached.

Despite international calls for a long-term ceasefire, Israel plans to continue the war for several months, focusing on dismantling Hamas’ capabilities and infrastructure. Retired Brig. Gen. Shlomo Brom suggested that the troop changes might be due to U.S. pressure, indicating a strategic shift in Israel’s war conduct.

Despite the mounting toll on soldiers’ lives, Israeli support for the war’s objectives remains strong. The military reported that out of 172 soldiers killed since the ground operation began, 18 were victims of friendly fire, and 11 died due to weapon malfunctions or accidents.