(VOVWORLD) - Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said Monday that the Israeli army has moved from large-scale air and ground attacks to a more targeted campaign in the Gaza Strip.
 Israeli military vehicles move along the road in the Gaza Strip, January 4, 2024. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The new phase involves fewer troops and airstrikes in the Palestinian enclave, he added.
Hagari’s announcement came shortly before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on a tour of several Middle Eastern countries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel seeks to restore security in the region but is also prepared for potential conflict with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.
Hezbollah forces have launched numerous anti-tank missiles into Israeli border communities over the past two days in retaliation of Israel’s killing of a deputy leader of Hamas, a close ally of Hezbollah, on January 2.
Pope Francis said Monday that indiscriminate attacks on civilians constitute war crimes and violate international humanitarian law. He called for a ceasefire on all fronts and increased international efforts to uphold humanitarian law.