Israel 'to quit Gaza by Tuesday'

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The comments represented the first official indication that Israel plans a rapid withdrawal of its forces after announcing a unilateral ceasefire late on Saturday.

The decision could be linked to Israel's desire to get off to a smooth start with the new US administration.

By getting its soldiers out before the Obama inauguration, Israel would spare the new administration the trouble of having to deal with a burning problem in Gaza from day one.

Mr Obama has said Middle East peace will be a priority for his administration.

Thousands of troops started coming out of Gaza on Saturday. Hamas declared a week-long truce on Sunday.

Government spokesman Mark Regev would not confirm the timetable, but said Israel's departure will be "almost immediate" if Gaza remains quiet.

The Palestinian ceasefire was announced by military leaders in Gaza and in Damascus, Syria, the base of Gaza's exiled Hamas leaders. They did not set a time, but it appeared to be effective immediately.

In Damascus, Moussa Abu Marzouk, Hamas' deputy leader, told Syrian TV that the ceasefire would last a week to give Israel time to withdraw and open all Gaza border crossings to let humanitarian aid into the embattled seaside territory.

Israel mounted the offensive three weeks ago to halt years of rocket attacks, but despite the latest barrage, the government spokesman said Israel's ceasefire offer stood.