The IDF says it has withdrawn the 55th Brigade from the Gaza Strip, replacing it with other military forces in the Khan Younis area, as it scales back its reserve troops in the strip.

The IDF reports that in recent weeks, troops from the reserve paratroopers brigade have been actively operating in Khan Younis. During their operations, they have achieved significant results against Hamas, including the elimination of numerous Hamas operatives and the discovery and destruction of approximately 70 tunnel shafts, as well as the identification of two rocket launching sites used by Hamas for firing projectiles into Israel.

As part of its announcement, the IDF released footage from a December encounter between the brigade’s troops and Hamas gunmen in the Khan Younis area that tragically resulted in the death of Sgt. Major (res.) Gideon Ilani.

The IDF has been progressively withdrawing its reservist forces from the Gaza Strip as part of its broader ground war strategy. Military officials say that this strategic shift aims to provide relief to reservist soldiers, while simultaneously allowing them to contribute to the rebound of Israel’s economy. This respite is seen as crucial before they are potentially called up again, given the expectation that the conflict in Gaza might persist throughout the year.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)