Israel pulls out of West Bank town

Israel pulled out of the town despite a deadly bus attack

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israeli forces have completed a pullout of troops and equipment from the Palestinian West Bank town of Qalqilya, the Israel Defense Forces told CNN.

According to IDF, the Israeli army has withdrawn from Qalqilya, but forces remained in the cities of Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarem.

Israeli forces entered the West Bank communities after last month's killing of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavan Ze-evi.

The IDF released a statement on Monday following its pullout from Qalqilya: "IDF forces left all positions in Area A in Qalqilya overnight, these positions were taken two weeks ago following terror incidents.

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"The IDF forces will position themselves around the city in order to prevent terrorist activity emanating from the city of Qalqilya. The pullout was carried out according to the decisions and instructions taken by the political level.

"The IDF will continue to operate as needed to preserve the security of Israeli citizens."

An Area A, as defined by the Oslo peace agreement, is an area under Palestinian civilian and security control. An Area B is an area where the Palestinians have civilian control, but Israel handles security.

Israel's withdrawal went ahead despite a deadly attack in Jerusalem earlier in the day when a gunman opened fire on an Israeli bus. Two people died in the shooting and dozens were injured.

The gunman, identified as an Islamic Jihad activist from Hebron, was shot dead by a policeman.

The attack came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon put off a trip to the United States, due to take place on November 11, citing domestic security. Palestinians say he is trying to avoid U.S. pressure to end the violence.

Israel says it will try and reschedule the meeting with the U.S. president.

Gunman opened fire

Keen to bolster Arab and Muslim support for its anti-terror campaign in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks on the United States, President George W. Bush has called for an Israeli pullout as soon as possible.

At least 690 Palestinians and 185 Israelis have been killed since a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation erupted in September 2000 after peace talks stalled, according to Reuters news agency.

The Palestinian news agency said the Palestinian Authority condemned Sunday's attack, and said authorities have been ordered to do all they can to apprehend those responsible.

Authorities said the gunman, wielding an M-16 rifle, shot at the bus as it made its way through the northeastern district of Jerusalem in the rush hour on Sunday.

Two other people who may have been involved in the shooting escaped, police said.

Of the 35 injured, three are in a very serious condition, hospital sources added.

Earlier Sunday, Israeli helicopters attacked three Palestinian targets in northern Gaza in response to the firing of mortar bombs in the area over the weekend and last week, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Israel's foreign minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat had shaken hands at a conference in Majorca on Saturday, but no negotiations had taken place.