Israel to ease West Bank occupation

FOREIGN Minister Shimon Peres yesterday said Israel would withdraw troops from some West Bank cities following stinging criticism of an air strike that killed 14 Palestinian civilians as well as a Hamas leader.

He added the government had released millions of dollars in frozen tax money in a further concession.

The gesture came as Israeli officials defended the bombing and dismissed reports that a ceasefire declaration had been signed by militant groups before the attack. However, officials also acknowledged military intelligence that led to Israel's raid was flawed.