Gaza police clash with hundreds of pullout opponents

Israeli security forces clashed with hundreds of opponents of Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip today, arresting at least 50 people in the roughest confrontation between troops and settlers since the start of the operation.

The confrontation came hours ahead of a midnight deadline for all Jewish settlers to leave the Gaza Strip voluntarily or face forcible removal. Officials said they were hopeful many settlers would leave the area before the deadline, but also issued a stern warning of tough action against anyone who resisted.