The Israeli military killed eight Palestinians today after pulling out of the town of Beit Hanoun where it had mounted its biggest operation in the Gaza Strip in a year.
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas
Leaving behind wrecked houses, toppled utility poles and broken water pipes after six days of fighting, Israeli armour moved out of the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun, a staging ground for rocket attacks on southern Israel.
"The Israeli army has brought destruction into every single street and nearly into every single house. This is the tsunami of Beit Hanoun," said Khalil Yazji, a 45-year-old resident and police officer.
Thousands of Palestinians, including gunmen firing in the air, marched in funeral processions in the town for 23 people killed in the past week. Some were militants, their bodies shrouded in factional flags.
In new violence, Israeli forces killed seven gunmen and a woman in raids in three other areas in northern Gaza, militant groups and hospital officials said.
"The Israelis leave one area and enter another," Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said. "We have spoken to the American administration and to the Europeans that such a situation cannot help restore security and stability."
In all, Israeli troops killed 52 people, during the raids that centred on Beit Hanoun, Palestinian medical officials said. One soldier has been killed.
Israeli troops and settlers quit the Gaza Strip 14 months ago, but the army in June launched an ongoing offensive against militants after gunmen from the territory crossed into Israel and seized a soldier, who is still being held.