Israeli troops pulled out of Rafah before dawn today after destroying more homes in the southern Gaza Strip area where hundreds have been made homeless in the past three weeks.
At least 18 houses were demolished in the latest operation, Palestinian security officials said. The Israeli army said troops had destroyed some houses that had been used in attacks against soldiers but did not give a number.
The army said it had entered the town today to search for weapons smuggling tunnels that run under the Gaza border with Egypt. Soldiers found one tunnel 250 yards long in the raid, the army said.
Israeli troops pulled out of Rafah last week after a seven-day campaign that uncovered three tunnels and came in response to the killing of seven soldiers in the area.
Forty-five Palestinians were killed in the operation, Palestinians said. The United Nations said 360 families were left homeless.
AP