Israel starts withdrawal from Gaza Strip
The Israeli army gave the first indication it was ending operations in parts of Gaza, while continuing to bombard other areas ahead of fresh truce talks in Cairo.
The Israeli army yesterday gave the first indication it was ending operations in parts of Gaza, while continuing to bombard other areas ahead of fresh truce talks in Cairo.
As a Palestinian delegation flew to Egypt in search of a ceasefire, the Israeli army conveyed a message to residents of part of northern Gaza that it was "safe" to return home.
"They have been informed it is safe for civilians to return to Beit Lahiya and Al-Atatra," a spokeswoman said, in what was understood to be a confirmation that troops had stopped operating there.
Israeli television stations also reported that soldiers were withdrawing.
Witnesses in northern Gaza confirmed seeing troops leaving the area while others were seen leaving another flashpoint area in the south.
It was the first time troops had been seen pulling back since the start of Israel's devastating 26-day operation, which has so far claimed more than 1,660 Palestinian lives and forced up to a quarter of the territory's population into exile.
