Israeli Troops Withdraw After Attack In Gaza City, Leave Dozens Of Bodies

JAKARTA - Israeli forces withdrew from several districts of Gaza City after a week-long fierce military attack, leaving dozens of people dead and homes and roads in the largest urban area.

The attack comes as US-backed mediators seek to finalize a peace agreement that will free the remaining hostages held hostage by militants in their cross-border attack on October 7.

Gaza's Civil Emergency Service said the team had evacuated about 60 bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli troops over the past week from the Tel Al-Hawa area and the Sabra neighborhood in Gaza City.

Both residents and rescue teams warned as tanks withdrew from several areas, Israeli snipers and tanks continued to control the highlands in several locations, and warned residents against trying to return to their homes in the area.

"There were bodies lying on the streets, there were bodies of entire families, there were also bodies in the house of the entire family that were burned down," said Gaza Strip Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal.

The Israeli military said on Thursday its troops were trying to weaken Hamas' capabilities in Gaza City. They insist following international law and take appropriate precautions to reduce civilian losses.

While Palestinian Hamas and militant groups said they had fought fiercely against Israeli forces, attacking with anti-tank rockets and mortar fire, killing and injuring many people. There has been no statement from the Israeli army regarding the claim.