MIDDLE EAST: Israel pulled its forces out of Palestinian areas in northern Gaza yesterday, ending a massive 16-day offensive that has killed more than 100 Palestinians, said a spokesman for Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon.
Mr Raanan Gissin said the army has "redeployed" outside areas where "there were no longer threats" of militants who launch rockets into Israel, but that forces would return should attacks begin again.
"We will move in and act whenever we feel there is threat of rockets," he said. "It's redeployment in places where we are sure rocket fire has ceased or where we have things under control."
Earlier, witnesses said 200 tanks and armoured vehicles withdrew from the area. A military source said the redeployment was meant to ease restrictions on Palestinian civilians during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.