DHAKA: All Israeli troops are to be withdrawn to "defensive positions" outside of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military says.

Lt-Col Peter Lerner told reporters Israeli forces would pull out before a 72-hour truce, due to start at 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT).

Israeli media reports had claimed the main aim of the conflict - to destroy militants' tunnels - had been achieved.

Gaza officials say the four-week conflict has killed 1,800 Palestinians. Some 67 Israelis have also died.

Source: BBC

** Israel and Palestinians agree 72-hour truce 

BDST: 1100 HRS, AGU 05, 2014