The Israeli military has announced a reduction in ground troops in the southern Gaza Strip following the conclusion of its operation in Khan Younis. This decision has raised questions about the future of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, especially amidst pressure from the U.S. to reduce the humanitarian toll of the conflict. The IDF stated that the 98th commando division was being pulled back to prepare for future operations, while maintaining a significant force in Gaza with the Nahal Brigade and 162nd Division.
While it is unclear if this reduction in troops in Gaza indicates a shift in Israel’s strategy or simply a planned rotation, experts like Michael Horowitz of Le Beck International believe it to be a turning point. Horowitz suggests that the IDF may be transitioning to a more long-term counterterrorism campaign with more targeted raids, as per U.S. requests. This change is notable as no new troops are entering southern Gaza to replace those being pulled out, indicating a change in the campaign’s direction.
The potential for a ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, which houses around 1 million people, has been a contentious issue with the U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated that an invasion of Rafah would be a red line, leading to tensions between Israel and its strongest ally. Following Biden’s call for Israel to address civilian harm and reduce humanitarian suffering, the timing of the troop reduction announcement has raised suspicions of a response to the latest developments in U.S. rhetoric.
In light of mounting pressure for a cease-fire and ongoing negotiations for a hostage deal, Hamas has sent a delegation to Cairo for talks, with CIA Director Bill Burns expected to participate. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that there will be no cease-fire without the return of abductees and has indicated that the fighting will continue into Rafah. Netanyahu has also connected Hamas’ recent attacks to Iran and wider hostilities with other groups in the region, signaling a determination to continue the conflict despite international pressure.
The withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas has allowed Palestinians, including the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, to access previously restricted zones. The Red Crescent Society reported that the departure of IDF troops from the center of Khan Younis enabled them to retrieve the body of one of their staff members who had been killed during the siege on Al-Amal Hospital. The impact of Israel’s troop reduction on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as well as the overall trajectory of the conflict, remains uncertain as international pressure for a resolution continues to mount.
