Israel withdraws after incursion into Gaza

Israeli ground troops pulled out of northern Gaza before daybreak today, following the first extended sweep in their offensive against Palestinian rocket salvos that has left more than 100 dead and led the Palestinian president to call off US-sponsored peace talks.

Israeli ground troops pulled out of northern Gaza before daybreak today, following the first extended sweep in their offensive that has left more than 100 Palestinians dead and led the President Abbas to call off US-sponsored peace talks.

After clashing with militants and making arrests yesterday, Israeli infantry started withdrawing after midnight. Defence officials indicated this was not the beginning of an all-out invasion.