The Israeli army began pulling some forces out of a refugee camp in northern Gaza today, where dozens of troops have mounted a massive raid to stop militants from firing rockets into Israel.
Witnesses said several tanks and armoured carriers began redeploying to positions outside the camp but Israeli forces remained in some residential parts of the camp.
A military source confirmed the pullout, but said forces would continue to target rocket launchers in the area.
The redeployment is meant to ease restrictions on civilians in the camp during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, the source said.
Israel launched its northern Gaza offensive, one of its biggest and bloodiest in four years of conflict, after a rocket salvo killed two children in the town of Sderot on September 29.
The army has killed more than 100 Palestinians, including militants and civilians, during the assault. Gunmen have killed three Israelis and a Thai farm worker.