IDF operation in Gaza ends

From Ynet News, 3/3/08, by Hanan Greenberg:

First stage of Operation Warm Winter comes to an end, as infantry and armor forces begin to pull out of northern Gaza Strip. 'The troops faced the missions they were tasked with courageously,' military source tells Ynet. Meanwhile, IAF continues to strike in Gaza; Palestinians report two gunmen killed

Infantry and armor forces began pulling out of the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday night, after operating in the area since the weekend, bringing the first stage of Operation Warm Winter to an end.

The Israel Air Force continued to strike in the Strip overnight, however, with Palestinian sources reporting of two gunmen killed.....

....'One operation ended, next on their way'
A senior military source told Ynet on Monday morning that "one operation had ended, but many more are on their way."

Addressing the rockets fired at Ashkelon and the Gaza vicinity communities after the end of the operation, the source said, "One operation cannot bring about a change in the situation. However, there is no doubt that in a series of activities, while exerting patience, the terror organizations will suffer a heavy blow and this will also bring a change in the situation, in terms of Qassams as well."

... one of the fighters said. "The terrorists are more courageous, wily and sophisticated, and it seems like they are part of an army. They also have improved equipment. ....Over the weekend there were many incidents of antitank missiles fired at us, but we operated well. The Air Force also helped us. We hit many terrorists and there is a feeling of success. After the first stage of the fighting we reached a situation of control, which enabled us to comb the area in relative calm...."...

Air Force continues to strike
... IAF aircraft struck various targets in the Gaza Strip.... four weapon manufacturing workshops and an office used by the Hamas movement....

....The rocket fire on the western Negev and Ashkelon continued Sunday until the evening hours, lightly injuring nine people since the morning hours. Many people suffered from shock.

Some 40 Qassam and Grad rockets landed in Israel since Sunday morning....