Thousands of Israeli troops are set to be withdrawn from Gaza within weeks.
It is believed Israel wants to moved to a “low-intensity” conflict with Hamas after months of devastating air attacks and missile strikes which have left over 22, 000 Palestinians dead.
Troops are set to rotate away from the frontline as Israel faces increasing cross-border threats from Syria and Lebanon.
As ferocious fighting in Gaza continues, most of the Strip’s 2.3 million people have fled to the south. Two-thirds of the dead in Gaza have been women and children and more than 100 Israeli hostages are believed still to be held in the enclave.
Israel yesterday confirmed some forces are leaving Gaza. However, army spokesman Daniel Hagari insisted this was not a sign of a gradual withdrawal.
He said: “The objectives of the war require prolonged fighting and we are preparing accordingly.”
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman said: “We have to be able to rotate our troops in and out as needed.” It came as Israeli airstrikes hit alleged military targets in Syria early yesterday and troops killed four Palestinian fighters in the occupied West Bank.
Meanwhile, the first UK maritime shipment of aid for Gaza has arrived in Egypt, carrying almost 90 tons of thermal blankets, shelter packs and medical supplies. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said: “The UK is committed to supporting the people of Gaza.
“Significantly more aid needs to reach Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.”
