Israel withdraws some troops, intensity of operation in north of Palestinian enclave lower, says US

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Key Points

Christiansted St. Croix: Israels decision to withdraw some troops from Gaza appears to signal the start of a shift to lower-intensity operations in the north of the Palestinian enclave, although there was still fighting going on there, a U.S. official said on Monday.. Israel pulled tanks out of some Gaza City districts on Monday, residents said, as it announced plans to shift tactics and cut back on troop numbers..

The White House said President Joe Biden, currently vacationing in St. Croix, and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with national security officials on Monday by secure phone about the latest developments in the Middle East...

This appears to be the start of the gradual shift to lower-intensity operations in the north that we have been encouraging, the official said, noting the change reflected the success of the Israeli military in dismantling Hamas military capabilities there...

Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Israels objectives and the phasing of its military operations in Gaza on Dec. 23, while underscoring the need to protect civilians and secure the release of hostages being held by the Hamas Islamist militant group, the White House said...

U.S. officials have urged Israel to shift its military operations in Gaza to a lower-intensity phase that would include more targeted operations focused on the Hamas leadership and its infrastructure...

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