The IDF announced on Monday, January 1, 2024 that thousands of troops are being pulled out of the Gaza Strip.
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(Tel Aviv) – As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, the Israeli Defense Force has announced it will begin pulling thousands of troops out of the Gaza Strip. This as the war nears its three month mark. Israeli officials say the war is taking an ongoing toll on the nation’s economy. Also, the fighting has left more than 20,000 dead on both sides of the longstanding conflict.
Dating back to Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Southern Israel on October 7, the UN says 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced. Many have described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, amid calls for an extended ceasefire, so more aid and supplies can go into Gaza. But Israel has remained steadfast in their demand Hamas be removed from power.
Earlier this week, an Israeli Defense Forces spokesman suggested the nation’s offensive could continue through much of 2024. Tensions within the region have been ratcheted up recently, as US helicopters engaged in a fire fight with Iranian-based Houthi rebels in the Red Sea over the weekend — and three Houthi ships were sunk. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continuously batted away calls for an immediate ceasefire. Here in the US, including in New York City, numerous protests and Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have unfolded — calling for a ceasefire.