Israel has withdrawn five of its military brigades from the Gaza Strip as it transitions into the third phase of operations in the enclave, the Institute for the Study of War, a policy research organisation focused on US national security said.

According to the monitor, the third phase will include the end of major combat operations, a “reduction in forces” in the Gaza Strip, the release of reservists, a “transition to targeted raids,” and the establishment of a security buffer zone within the enclave.

It stated that an unidentified Israeli intelligence officer told the Economist that most of Hamas’ command structure is “gone” and that Hamas is no longer operating as a military organisation.