'Israel' to end invasion in Gaza in 'third phase in war'
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According to Israeli media, the "third phase includes ending the ground operation in the Gaza Strip, reducing army forces and demobilizing reserves, resorting to air strikes, and establishing a buffer zone on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip."
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Israeli troops walk in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (AP)
Israeli media reported on Friday that the IOF intends to end the ground invasion of Gaza in the coming weeks as part of the 'third phase' of the war.
Citing unnamed sources, the Israeli Public Broadcasting corporation stated that the IOF "is preparing to move to the third phase of the fighting in Gaza during the coming weeks, in accordance with operational achievements".
"The third phase includes ending the ground operation in the Gaza Strip, reducing army forces and demobilizing reserves, resorting to air strikes, and establishing a buffer zone on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip," the media outlet added.
Read next: US anticipates 'current phase' of Israeli invasion to end in January
A means with no end
Multiple Israeli media reported last Sunday that a ground invasion alone will not suffice to achieve "Israel's" objectives in the ongoing war on Gaza.
The specified timeline for the operation, anticipated to last a few weeks, is not foreseen to result in significant accomplishments, such as defeating the Palestinian Resistance or securing the release of captives.
The Former Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee in the Israeli Knesset, Ofer Shelah, wrote on the Institute for National Security Studies website of the "Tel Aviv" University recommending a shift in military strategy for the IOF's third stage of the war.
It is also worth noting that the Israeli ground losses in Gaza indicate that the military's overarching goal to incapacitate Hamas and its ability to harm Israelis, remains out of reach, even in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, which has been the main focus of the army's offensive since the beginning of the war, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.
The newspaper pointed out that the increasing number of Israeli casualties reflects a shift in military warfare tactics, with a greater emphasis on urban and ground combat.
