Posted on 08/02/2014 10:57:31 AM PDT by DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis
The Israeli army on Saturday informed residents of Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza that it was "safe" to return to their homes, as troops began withdrawing from the area.
"Messages have been conveyed to residents of the northern Gaza Strip that they may return to the Beit Lahiya area," an army statement said, with a spokeswoman indicating the message had been relayed to authorities in the Islamist-ruled enclave.
"They have been informed it is safe for civilians to return to Beit Lahiya and Al-Atatra," the spokeswoman told AFP, in what was understood to be a confirmation that troops had stopped operating there.
Witnesses in Al-Atatra, which is part of Beit Lahiya, reported seeing troops pulling back, in a move mirrored in the south, where residents said the soldiers had withdrawn from villages east of Khan Yunis, close to the Israeli border.
The announcement came amid reports that Israel would not be sending a delegation to truce talks in Cairo, with some suggesting the pullback could signal the start of a unilateral Israeli withdrawal.
The IDF has said it has destroyed nearly all Hamas tunnels, and will complete the destruction of the rest in the coming hours.
Hamas, for its part, has said it will not necessarily be bound by any unilateral Israeli ceasefire.
"If the occupation unilaterally withdraws, the battle field would decide the response. We're not going to be obligated to anything," said Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri.
(Excerpt) Read more at israelnationalnews.com ...
Yes he’s done speaking..basically he said that he will everything in his power to get back the IDF soldier who was kidnapped..he also said that this is a very complex, difficult operation and that the majority of the tunnels have already been destroyed and that they will continue to be destroyed..that he has nothing against the citizens of Gaza, that this is all about Hamas and destroying Hamas because Hamas wants to destroy Israel and that he wants peace and quiet for the people of Israel
kk thanks. :-)
Not directed at you, DVSST, but what is with all these keyboard generals around here?
I have absolutely no idea if true or not. I do hope he survives this ordeal, no matter the circumstances.
I am not familiar with Hannibal Protocol..the name itself sounds terrible so not sure if I even want to know..but it doesn’t sound good
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