Israel withdraws its troops from the Gaza Strip. Only one unit, the Nahal Brigade, remains in the region.
The withdrawal has nothing to do with pressure from the U.S., an Israeli official says. The move will allow Palestinians to return to their homes, the official adds. It is unclear whether this is a turning point in the conflict, or a preparation for a possible return to the border with Egypt, he adds. The Israeli army plans to station three divisions on the Gaza border in the future.