Economic Burden, Shift to Targeted Operations Prompt Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza

In a shift from previous declarations, the Israeli military is withdrawing thousands of troops from Gaza due to economic burdens on reservists and a shift to more targeted operations. The exact number of troops to remain in Gaza has not been disclosed. The military operation, which began in October 2023, continues to face international criticism due to high casualties, with over 21,900 Palestinians and 1200 Israelis dead. Despite the withdrawal, fighting continues in areas like Khan Younis, a Hamas stronghold. The US has been urging Israel to scale back its operations, a topic expected to continue during Secretary of State Antony Blinken's upcoming visit.