Israeli military anticipate prolonged conflict in Gaza in 2024

New Delhi, Jan 1: In a New Year's message, Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), has announced the expectation of the Gaza conflict extending into 2024.

Hagari highlighted that troop deployments are being adjusted to brace for what is anticipated to be a protracted period of fighting. As part of this strategy, certain troops, especially reservists, will be withdrawn to regroup and prepare for continued hostilities.

"These adaptations are intended to ensure the planning and preparation for continuing the war in 2024," stated Hagari. "The IDF must plan out of an understanding that there will be additional missions, and the fighting will persist throughout the rest of the year." To allow reservists to "re-energize ahead of the coming operations," some will depart from Gaza, with withdrawals expected as early as this week.

The toll of the conflict has been severe, with around 22,000 people reported killed in Gaza over the past 11 weeks of fighting, according to the Gaza health ministry.

As the year 2023 concluded, Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza. The health ministry in Gaza reported at least 48 Palestinians killed in overnight bombings in Gaza City, with many still trapped under debris. Witnesses told AFP that another strike killed 20 people seeking shelter at Al-Aqsa University in the west of Gaza City.

The United Nations states that 85% of Gaza's 2.4 million people, almost 2 million individuals, have been displaced.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared on Saturday that "the war is at its height," acknowledging both significant successes and painful losses. He asserted that achieving victory would require time, aligning with the Israeli Army Chief of Staff's statement that the war would continue for many more months.