Israel troops begin pullout from Gaza

Jerusalem, Jan, 19: After Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered a unilateral halt for massive operation to put an end to Hamas rocket firing on Saturday, Jan 17, Israeli troops have begun a gradual withdrawal from Gaza. Troops are being withdrawn after a deadly 22-day war against the Palestinian territory's Islamic rulers Hamas, an army spokesman said on Jan 19.

"I can confirm that there is a gradual withdrawal from the Gaza Strip," an army spokeswoman said. Hamas rocket-firing has claimed the lives of more than 1,300 Palestinians. Hamas has separately called a week-long truce to give the Israelis time to withdraw.

OneInda News (With inputs from Agencies)