Israel starts new phase of war with 'fewer' troops and strikes

The Israeli military has begun a new and less intense phase of its invasion of Gaza, its chief spokesman said Monday, after weeks of pressure from the US and other allies to scale back an offensive that has caused widespread devastation and civilian deaths. The spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said the Israeli campaign had already started the transition to a campaign that would involve fewer ground troops and airstrikes. "The war shifted a stage," Hagari told NYT. "But the transition will be with no ceremony. It's not about dramatic announcements," he added.