Israel to pull troops from Gaza, expects war to persist in 2024, as conflict enters new phase

Thousands of Israeli soldiers are being shifted out of the Gaza Strip, the military said on Monday, in the first significant drawdown of troops since the war began as forces continued to bear down on the main city in the southern half of the enclave.

Word of the drawdown came ahead of a visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the region and after the Biden administration bypassed Congress for the second time this month to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel.

But fierce fighting continued in other areas of Gaza, especially the southern city Khan Younis and central areas of the territory. Israel has pledged to charge ahead until its war aims have been achieved, including dismantling Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for 16 years.

The military said in a statement on Monday that five brigades, or several thousand troops, were being taken out of Gaza in the coming weeks for training and rest.

“The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] must plan ahead, understanding that we will be required for additional tasks and warfare throughout this year,” Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told reporters.

“The objectives of the war require prolonged fighting and we are preparing accordingly.”