Solidarity rallies with Gaza in the West Bank have deteriorated into violent clashes with the IDF Sunday, as thousands of people took to streets to protest Israel's operation in the Strip.

One of the biggest rallies was held in Nablus, where more than 4,000 Palestinians protested at the town's main square.

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.



"The soldiers faced the missions they were tasked with courageously," a military source told Ynet shortly after the forces left the Palestinian territory.



"Patience is needed in order to reach significant achievements, and we have it. Unfortunately, we also paid a price, but we must know that when handling such battles there is a chance we will also have to pay in the future. Our mission is to defend the citizens, and that's what we're doing," the source added.