Israel confirms retreating from Gaza

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:24:31 GMT  |  PressTV

Israeli soldiers are reportedly set to leave the Gaza Strip after 22 days of war. The Israeli army has confirmed that it is gradually withdrawing its troops from Gaza after pounding the impoverished strip for 22 days.  "I can confirm that there is a gradual withdrawal from the Gaza Strip," an army spokeswoman told AFP on Sunday.  The Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered a unilateral ceasefire late Saturday ending the massive offensive which has left more than 1,300 Palestinians dead and 6,000 others wounded.  Hamas says it will only observe a ceasefire after Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza. The resistance movement has given Tel Aviv a one-week ultimatum to complete pullout.  The Israeli premier says Operation Cast Lead has been a success and claims Tel Aviv has reached all its objectives.