Israeli soldiers disarm their weapons moments after exiting the Gaza strip, next to Kibbutz Kfar Azza early Mar. 3, 2008.

The IDF decided to withdraw from Gaza after Washington appealed to Israel for an end of violence and a rescue of the peace talks with the Palestinians before U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to this region slated for Monday night.

Although Israeli army pulled out, its actions against Palestinian rocket fire would not stop.

An Israeli government spokesman was quoted by local media assaying that "We will continue with our defensive actions against those who fire lethal rockets at our civilians."

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also vowed on Sunday to continue the necessary military operations against Palestinian militants in Gaza.

"If anyone in Gaza has illusions that extending the range of rocket fire will bring our operations to an end, they are sorely mistaken," Olmert told ministers during the weekly cabinet meeting.