Israel Reducing Troop Numbers in Southern Gaza
In a strategic move, Israel’s military announced on Sunday that it would be reducing its soldiers from southern Gaza, leaving only one brigade in the area.
A “significant force” will still remain in Gaza, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, who described the pull-out as another stage in the war effort.
However, this reduction in troops is being seen as a tactical maneuver rather than a signal that the war is nearing its end.
Ceasefire Negotiations in Cairo
Israel and Hamas have both sent delegations to Cairo for fresh ceasefire negotiations, marking six months since Hamas’s attack on southern Israeli border communities in October.
Israel accuses Hamas of killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, with at least 34 hostages confirmed dead and 130 still in Gaza.
The Hamas-run Health Ministry reports that over 33,000 Gazans, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel’s offensive since the attack.
Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Gaza is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports of famine-like conditions and thousands of displaced Palestinians living in shelters.
Oxfam has stated that 300,000 people in the north of Gaza are surviving on just 245 calories a day since January.
Lt. Col. Lerner emphasized that while troops are being rotated out of Khan Younis, the war is far from over, with ongoing operations to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities.
International Pressure for Ceasefire
Despite warnings of a planned ground offensive in Rafah, international pressure for a ceasefire is mounting.
The US, Israel’s closest ally, has stressed the need for specific steps to boost aid and prevent civilian deaths in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is close to victory but insisted on the release of Israeli hostages before any ceasefire agreement.
Protests and Demands for Hostage Release
Tens of thousands of Israelis rallied against Netanyahu, demanding a deal to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Organizers claim that 100,000 people participated in the Tel Aviv protest, with more demonstrations expected to follow.
Despite the challenges and complexities of the situation, the conflict in Gaza continues to be a focal point of international attention and concern. — BBC
