(IsraelNN.com)
IDF officials say the withdrawal is purely logistical. “The Gaza operation is not over and will continue in the same format,” and IDF spokesman said. Troops entered central Gaza on Wednesday, passing through the Kissufim corridor and the destroyed Jewish communities of Gush Katif. IAF fighter jets also bombed a bridge in central Gaza.

Violent clashes between PA Arabs broke out Thursday at the Rafiah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Dozens of armed members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad tried to forcibly open the crossing and were stopped by Mahmoud Abbas's Force 17 militiamen.

Eight Arabs have died in the past week due to the PA's refusal to allow them to cross via the Kerem Shalom Crossing, which would necessitate security checks by Israeli security forces.