The withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza marks a major turning point in the conflict with Hamas, a crucial step towards a new phase of this confrontation. This decision, announced by the Israel Defense Forces, constitutes the largest known withdrawal of troops since the start of the war. However, despite the withdrawal, a senior official said he expected fighting to continue throughout the year.
This strategic evolution of the Israeli army also shows a gradual shift towards a lower intensity phase of warfare, as US officials have emphasized. Brigades 551 and 14, made up of reservists, will return to their families and civilian lives this week, while other brigades will return to their regular training. The move is intended to ease economic hardship and allow troops to recharge for upcoming activities in the coming year, as fighting is expected to continue.
The focus of Israeli ground operations has shifted to the central and southern Gaza Strip, but fighting continues in the north, where according to the UN, 52% to 65% of structures have been damaged and 46,000 homes have been damaged. were completely destroyed. The UN also warned of the situation of more than 150,000 people who are left homeless in various parts of Gaza. Israel seeks to destroy Hamas after the Palestinian militant group’s surprise attacks on October 7, which according to Israeli authorities left 1,200 people dead in Israel and led to the kidnapping of soldiers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ongoing war in Gaza is at its “highest level” and will continue for months. U.S. officials have expressed expectation that the war will soon transition to a lower-intensity phase of war, in which Israel will more precisely target Hamas militants and leaders. The United States has pressed Israel to limit civilian casualties in its operations and warned that destructive tactics used in the north cannot be repeated in southern Gaza.
This gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza marks the start of this lower intensity phase, according to American officials. However, it is important to note that fighting continues in northern Gaza and the coming weeks will be crucial in assessing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s willingness to continue this transition. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to the region to discuss the next phase of the conflict with Israeli officials, a clear indication that this new stage is about to begin.
It is essential to emphasize that this withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza represents an important step towards a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict. It offers an opportunity to restart negotiations and work towards a solution that guarantees security and peace for all people in the region. However, many challenges remain and the political will of both sides will be crucial to achieve a satisfactory resolution.
In conclusion, the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza marks a significant step in the conflict with Hamas. It signals a transition to a lower intensity phase of war and offers a glimmer of hope for a long-term peaceful solution. However, it is essential to remain realistic about the ongoing challenges and continue working towards a lasting and fair resolution for all stakeholders involved.