Last Watch, First Step

Paper Summary:

This paper outlines the current Israeli administration's withdrawal plan from the Gaza Strip. The paper explains the reasons for the decision to withdraw from the settlements even though the withdrawal comes without any concessions from the Palestinians, discusses the degree of support as well as opposition to the withdrawal and analyzes the implications of such a move. The paper concludes with the finding that the decision to withdraw from Gaza represents a first step towards ending the mistrust, bloodshed and terrorism that has so long characterized the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.

From the Paper:

"Code name: Last Watch-In a 'bold move to end the stalemate in the peace process' , Israel finally pulled out of the Gaza strip as well as four settlements in the West Bank. It thereby ended Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands, which were captured in the Six-Day War in 1967. Approximately 8,500 Gaza settlers were removed from the 21 settlements. Homes, schools and military infrastructure were razed to the ground, all except electricity, pipes and roads. Torah scrolls and other sacred items were safely squirreled away as the settlers finally left Gaza. Nineteen synagogue buildings were left intact, though, a last-minute decision by the Israeli Cabinet, which displeased the Palestinians as they would be the ones forced to demolish it."

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