"Israel pulled its settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005 but maintained control of its borders, coasts, and airspace. In September 2005, Israeli forces pulled out of the Gaza Strip, with the last troops leaving through the al-Karara (Kisufim) and Beit Hanoon (Erez) crossings. The withdrawal was seen at the time as a historic turning point, raising hopes that nearly four decades of military occupation had come to an end."
"A strong supporter of Israeli settlements, Sharon began considering a withdrawal from Gaza in the early 2000s, particularly after the outbreak of the second Intifada (2000-05). The idea was motivated by the high cost of defending isolated settlements, the demographic challenges of ruling over a large Palestinian population, and the strategic goal of consolidating Israel's hold on larger illegal settlements in the West Bank."
Israel withdrew its settlers and soldiers from Gaza in September 2005 while retaining effective control over Gaza's borders, coast, and airspace. The withdrawal removed 21 settlements in Gaza and four in the northern West Bank. Final troops left through the al-Karara (Kisufim) and Beit Hanoon (Erez) crossings. The disengagement aimed to reduce the cost of defending isolated settlements, address demographic challenges of ruling a large Palestinian population, and consolidate control over larger West Bank settlements. Israel then sealed Gaza's edges by land, sea, and air, restricted movement and fishing, maintained surveillance from above, and enabled deeper settlement expansion across the occupied West Bank.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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