IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya´alon, visited the Gaza Strip today, January 30, 2005.

The Chief of Staff held a meeting with the head of the "Gaza Coast" Regional Council, Mr. Avner Shimoni, and secretary generals of the Israeli communities in the Gaza Strip, in the community of Neve Dekalim. During the meeting, the Chief of Staff expressed his deep appreciation for the local residents´ strength during four years of combat, and emphasized that a halt in terror will benefit all sides.

In light of the incidents in which residents behaved badly towards IDF soldiers, the Chief of Staff noted that he expects the leaders of the communities to react decisively in condemning incidents of this type.

The Chief of Staff emphasized that the IDF is determined to continue protecting the local residents, and fulfill all its duties, as required by the political echelon. (Copyright © 2005 Israel Defense Forces. 01/30/05)