An Israeli soldier walks by tanks, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Israel-Gaza border, in southern Israel, January 1, 2024. REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura
Israel withdrew tanks from certain districts in Gaza City on Monday, signaling a shift in tactics and a reduction in troop numbers. The move follows the announcement of a new phase in Israel’s offensive, with plans for more localized “mopping up” operations. While the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier returns home, the Israeli military aims to cut down forces inside Gaza, allowing some reservists to return to civilian life. The troop reduction is also seen as a measure to strengthen the economy and prepare for potential conflicts in the north, particularly with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Despite this shift, fighting and bombardment persist in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes targeted houses in the Lebanese village of Kafr Kila, near the border, resulting in casualties. The situation on the Lebanese border is described as critical, with concerns about a potential escalation and the risk of a wider regional war. The Gaza conflict, triggered by a surprise Hamas attack, has caused significant devastation and a humanitarian crisis. Calls to scale down the offensive have been made by Western allies, given the immense suffering of Gaza’s population.
In Gaza, residents in some districts reported tank withdrawals, while others experienced ongoing fighting and airstrikes. The city’s zoo has become a makeshift shelter for people, highlighting the dire conditions. The overall toll of the conflict, both in terms of lives lost and infrastructure damage, is substantial. Hamas continues to demonstrate its ability to target Israel with rocket fire.
The conflict’s duration remains uncertain, with Israel emphasizing the need for a prolonged phase of operations. The move to a new stage comes after an initial bombardment and ground invasion, with Hamas adapting to guerrilla-style tactics. Efforts to negotiate a truce and a hostages deal are underway, with Qatar and Egypt involved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement about retaking control of Gaza’s border with Egypt adds a dimension to the conflict, potentially impacting the future of the enclave and the prospects for a Palestinian state. The U.S. has urged Israel to allow a Palestinian government to control Gaza post-conflict.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, 2023 marked the deadliest year on record for Palestinians since the start of the Gaza war on Oct. 7. The situation remains complex and fraught with challenges as regional dynamics continue to evolve.
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