Israel pulls troops out of Gaza
Written: 3rd March, 2008
Most Israeli troops have pulled out of northern Gaza after days of fighting that has left more than 100 people dead and drawn protest worldwide.
The Israeli military confirmed that most of the troops sent into the Gaza Strip last week were now back.
Five militants were killed in Israeli air strikes overnight, while several other Palestinians were found dead as Israeli forces withdrew.
Israel said the operation was launched to defend itself against rocket attack.
Medical sources say at least 112 Palestinians have been killed since Wednesday, when Israel intensified its campaign in Gaza.
Three Israelis have died - a civilian killed by a rocket on Wednesday, and two soldiers since.
There has been widespread international alarm at the scale of the Israeli action and West Bank-based Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has formally suspended contacts with Israel in protest.
Source BBC news