In response to a sharp increase in the number and frequency of rocket attacks into Israel prior to and following the expiration of Hamas' agreed period of "calm" on December 19, 2008, the Israeli Air Force launched Operation Cast Lead, consisting initially of airstrikes on December 27 against Hamas security installations, personnel, and other facilities in the Gaza Strip, followed on January 3 by ground operations. Hostilities between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters continued through January 18, and the Israeli withdrawal of troops was completed on 21 January 2009.
The Gaza enclave was largely quiet after Israel and Hamas declared separate cease-fires, but Israel warned Hamas it will attack again if the militants tried to rearm. Israel lost 10 soldiers while three civilians were also killed by Hamas rockets. The militant Islamic group remains defiant, saying it will not bow to Israel's demands that it refrain from rearming. Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for the movement's military wing told reporters on Monday the group would restart its attacks on Israel if Israeli troops do not pull out quickly. Israel continued the pullout of its troops and tanks from the Gaza Strip. In their wake, what Palestinian officials estimate is $1.9 billion worth of material damage. Israeli forces killed more than 1,300 Palestinians, many of them women and children. They also injured 7,000 civilians, while destroying over 4,000 houses and much of Gaza's infrastructure and buildings. The king of Saudi Arabia has pledged $1 billion in reconstruction aid. Residents of Gaza sifted through the rubble of entire city blocks leveled during the 22-day campaign. Some expressed anger and disappointment at Hamas, which they said had failed to defend them.
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