Israel pulls forces out of occupied West Bank city of Hebron

Israel withdrew its forces from the occupied West Bank city of Hebron on Monday after a week-long raid that displaced thousands of Palestinian residents.

AFP journalists witnessed residents returning to their houses on Monday, after having been forcibly evacuated in what the Israelis said was a search for gunmen who killed two soldiers.

"This morning, following the completion of all operational activities, the soldiers withdrew from the area of operation in Hebron. Counterterrorism activities throughout Judea and Samaria continue," an Israeli military official said, using the biblical name for the Palestinian territory.