"Israel Reduces Gaza Troop Presence, Maintains Focus on Southern City and Border Zone Amid Ongoing Conflict"

Israel is reducing its military presence in the Gaza Strip, signaling a potential scale-back in some combat areas, particularly in the northern half. Despite the drawdown, fierce fighting continues in southern Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis. The Israeli military is shifting its focus to training and rest for several thousand troops, amidst ongoing pressure from the United States to lower the intensity of the conflict. This move comes ahead of a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and follows an emergency weapons sale to Israel. Israel remains committed to its war aims, including dismantling Hamas, in response to an attack by the group that killed 1,200 people. The conflict has resulted in a high civilian death toll and significant displacement within Gaza.