In a major development in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military has declared the withdrawal of thousands of its soldiers, marking the first substantial pullback since the war commenced in October. The move comes amid mounting pressure from the United States, urging Israel to transition to a less intense conflict to minimize civilian casualties.

While the withdrawal is underway, the southern city of Khan Younis continues to witness fierce fighting. Israel remains steadfast in its commitment to pursue the war until its objectives are met, including the destruction of the Palestinian group Hamas. According to Israeli officials, Hamas was responsible for approximately 1,140 casualties in attacks on southern Israel on October 7.

The military, in a statement on Monday, announced the removal of five brigades, comprising several thousand troops, from the enclave for training and rest. Although the army spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, did not specify if this signified a new phase in the war, he emphasized the need for prolonged efforts to achieve the war's objectives.

Retired Brigadier General Shlomo Brom suggests that the troop changes may be a response to U.S. pressure and could signal a shift in Israel's war strategy. He notes, “It is the beginning of a different mode of operations.”

The Israeli officials had previously outlined a three-stage approach to the war, involving intense shelling, the invasion of the Gaza Strip, and now, the military's movement to the third stage. This stage is expected to last at least six months and involves intensive mopping-up missions against terrorists.

In a related development, the U.S. has announced the replacement of an aircraft carrier strike group in the eastern Mediterranean with an amphibious assault ship and accompanying warships.

Meanwhile, since the conflict's onset on October 7, Palestinian health authorities report that at least 21,978 people have been killed in the Israeli assault on Gaza. The Israeli military, last week, confirmed the deaths of at least 172 soldiers, including some due to friendly fire and equipment malfunctions.

Cross-border fighting has also escalated, with the Israeli military engaging in battles with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. On Monday, Hezbollah announced the deaths of three fighters in southern Lebanon, expressing their martyrdom on the road to liberate Jerusalem. The Israeli military responded by hitting targets in Lebanon, including locations where Hezbollah was operating. According to Hezbollah and security sources, more than 100 Hezbollah fighters and nearly two dozen civilians, including children and the elderly, have lost their lives.

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