North Gaza homes in ruin as Israel pulls out

RESIDENTS of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza dug through the rubble of their damaged homes and UN schools yesterday, after Israeli troops pulled out following a two-day incursion aimed at stopping militants from firing rockets at Israel.

About 15 tanks moved out of populated areas of Beit Hanoun last night and headed toward the nearby Israeli border. Five helicopters hovered overhead, firing flares and machine guns to provide cover for the ground forces.

Israeli troops clashed with Palestinian militants in the town yesterday, killing two and wounding four others, hospital officials said.