Israeli military units withdraw from Gaza and refocus on targeted operations against Hamas

Israeli government officials say some military units are withdrawing from the Palestinian territory of Gaza and moving to targeted operations against the Islamist group Hamas. The photo was taken in southern Israel on December 31, 2023 (2024 Reuters / Violeta Santos Moura)

[エルサレム １日 ロイター] – Israeli government officials said that some military units have withdrawn from the Palestinian territory of Gaza and are moving to targeted operations against the Islamist group Hamas. In addition, as the fighting is expected to be long, some reservists are being returned to civilian life to support the economy.

The official also said that some of the brigades being withdrawn will prepare for a possible outbreak of fighting on the second front against Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian group based in Israel’s northern neighbour. Lebanon.

Israeli officials have so far said the fighting, which began after a surprise Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year, will take place in three phases. The first step is to use heavy artillery fire to secure access routes for ground forces and encourage the evacuation of civilians. The second phase was a ground attack, which began on October 27 last year.

An official told Reuters that the army was moving to the third phase, saying, “It will take at least six months. This will include intensive terrorist clearance operations.”

Israel’s drawdown appears to be a response to pressure from the US to review its tactics and better protect non-combatants.

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