The Hindu : International : Jubilant Palestinians take over Gaza Strip settlements

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Tuesday, Sep 13, 2005

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International

Jubilant Palestinians take over Gaza Strip settlements

Atul Aneja

Israel hands over charge to Palestinian Authority after 38 years of occupation

JUMPING WITH JOY: Palestinian and Egyptian boys jump from the Egyptian side to the Palestinian side along the Gaza-Egypt border in Rafah, Philadelphi corridor, on Monday . — PHOTO: AP

MANAMA: Under cover of darkness, Israeli forces pulled out of Gaza, ending 38 years of military occupation of the coastal strip that will now be administered by the Palestinian Authority.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the withdrawal was an historic event and a joyful day for his people. "Today is a day of joy and happiness that our people were deprived of in the past century," Mr. Abbas said. He denounced Israeli rule in Gaza as "aggression, injustice, humiliation, killing and settlement activity," and said the Palestinians have still a long way to go to achieve statehood. The Palestinians envision that their future state would incorporate the Gaza Strip, occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Abbas' concern

Mr. Abbas also expressed concern about Israel's insistence on monitor points of entry and exit into Gaza as well as control over the area's airspace and coastal waters. The Israeli military occupation ended just after sunrise when the last column of tanks rumbled out of the Kissufim crossing into Israel. Israeli soldiers then raised the flag that had been removed from the Gaza military headquarters on the Israeli side of the border.

As the troops moved out, thousands of jubilant Palestinians rushed into many of the settlements that had been vacated. Ecstatic crowds entered the former Jewish enclaves, and there were reports that abandoned synagogues in the Morag, Kfar Darom and Netzarim settlements had been set ablaze.

Demolished homes

Israel removed around 8,500 Jewish settlers from their homes in 21 settlements in Gaza last month, and demolished homes and most buildings there. The Israeli Cabinet, however, decided on Sunday to leave 19 synagogues intact. Israeli troops handed over charge to the Palestinian Authority forces. Palestinian officers moved into Neve Dekalim — the largest settlement, and hoisted the Palestinian flag at the former Israeli military headquarters. Palestinian police also headed to the vacant Netzarim settlement followed by cars that were packed with civilians who were honking horns and waving flags. Besides, they entered five other settlements, Palestinian Interior Ministry spokesman Tawfiq Abu Khoussa said.

During the night, mosques reportedly blared chants in support of the withdrawal and fireworks lit up the sky.

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