Avast, ye scallywags! Israel be settin' sails to lessen thar military attack in southern Gaza, as per the defense minister, says I!
2024-01-16
Arrr, mark me words, mateys! Israel be settin' sail to decrease its land assault in southern Gaza, so claims the goodly Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. But he be denyin' any thoughts of a truce, says he!
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel will begin to scale down its military offensive in the southern Gaza Strip. He stated that the intensive ground operation in northern Gaza had already ended after military control was established. Gallant expects similar action to happen in the south. The decision comes after the White House urged Israel to reduce its ground operations as the war against Hamas in Gaza reached the 100-day mark. However, Gallant did not provide specifics on the timeline for troop withdrawal or equipment removal. He also ruled out a cease-fire, emphasizing that military pressure on Hamas is necessary to secure the release of over 100 hostages still held by the terrorist group.Gallant further stated that Israel would continue targeting Hamas' leaders, referring to them as the "head of the snake." Many of these leaders are believed to be hiding in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. The White House echoed the sentiment, stating that it is the right time for Israel to transition to "low-intensity operations" in Gaza. White House National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, confirmed that the US has been discussing this transition with Israel, emphasizing the need to maintain pressure on Hamas while moving towards a lower intensity phase.
Despite the urging from the White House, Gallant affirmed that Israel would not stop until victory is achieved. The war in Gaza began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli soil in October, and since then, it has resulted in the deaths of nearly 24,000 Palestinians and the displacement of approximately 85% of the territory's population. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue fighting until Hamas is destroyed and all remaining hostages are freed.
In conclusion, Israel is planning to scale down its military offensive in the southern Gaza Strip after already ending its intensive ground operation in the north. The decision comes after the White House urged Israel to reduce its ground operations and transition to low-intensity operations. However, Israel's Defense Minister has ruled out a cease-fire, emphasizing the need for military pressure on Hamas to secure the release of hostages. Israel will also continue targeting Hamas' leaders. The war in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to continue fighting until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed.