Haaretz (Monday): IDF pulls last troops from Gaza

[Jack Rabbit]

From Haaretz (Tel Aviv)
Dated Monday September 12

IDF pulls last troops from Gaza, ending 38 years of military rule
By Haaretz Services, and News Agencies

Israel Defense Forces soldiers locked a gate at the Kissufim crossing between Israel and Gaza around 7 A.M. Monday, after the last Israeli soldiers left the Strip, thereby ending 38 years of Israeli military rule. Click here to view Photo Gallery: Leaving Gaza

"The mission has been completed and an era has ended," said Gaza commander Brigadier General Aviv Kochavi, the last Israeli soldier to leave Gaza.

"From now on, the Palestinian Authority bears responsibility for what happens in the Gaza Strip," he said. "The responsibility for the security of the citizens of the state continues to be all ours."

"Today is a day of joy and happiness that our people were deprived of in the past century," said Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, adding that the Palestinians still have a long path toward statehood. He denounced Israeli rule in Gaza as "aggression, injustice, humiliation, killing and settlement activity."

Read more.

[Lithos]

1. I will drink to this

This is a beginning, not an end of the journey. The beginning of the path which will hopefully bring peace to the Children of Abraham.

Salaam, shalom, and to peace.

:toast:

[Jack Rabbit]

2. I only hope you're right

Sharon's unilateral approach has problems. No one is responsible for Israel's security needs in Gaza, so don't be surprised if they just aren't met. The militants could use Gaza a a base to launch attacks on Israel. That would give Israel the perfect pretext to re-invade, putting the conflict back on square one. Meanwhile, the PA is corrupt making Hamas an attractive altenative to Fatah.

This could be a matter of be careful for what you wish.

[bemildred]

3. "The first step is to stop hitting yourself in the head with the hammer."

:toast: