Israeli troops halt operations in areas of Gaza Strip

Israel’s army chief has ordered troops to halt operations in the Gaza Strip and to scale them back in the West Bank.

The army chief, Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, also said crossings into the Gaza Strip will be opened next week.

The orders came just hours after Palestinian police completed their deployment in Gaza, taking up positions in the central and southern areas to prevent attacks on Israeli targets. Police were deployed in northern Gaza last week.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces are expected to start pulling back from towns in coming days and to begin removing some roadblocks, as part of a handover of security control to the Palestinians.

The easing of tensions came after Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas won a promise from armed groups that they would halt attacks if Israel stops military operations in the West Bank and Gaza.

Yaalon today ordered a halt to military activity in areas of Gaza where Palestinian police are deployed.

Israeli troops still maintain positions in the strip, along main roads and near Jewish settlements.

The army chief also said arrest raids in the West Bank must be minimised and will require his personal approval.

Next week, the three major Gaza crossings – Karni, Erez and Rafah – will open to Palestinian travellers and cargo.

The crossings had been closed in response to attacks by Palestinian militants.