POLITICS: Knesset Votes To Withdraw From Gaza, page 1

The Knesset backs Ariel Sharon's controversial plan to pull out from Gaza. It is the first time the Israeli parliament has approved to remove illegal settlements from the occupied territory. This move can be the opening of a new era in the Middle East.

news.bbc.co.uk
Israeli legislators have voted in favour of the controversial plan to pull Jewish settlers from Gaza.

The Knesset voted 67-45 to back Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's proposal, with seven abstentions.

The issue has split Mr Sharon's Likud Party and prompted fierce opposition from thousands of settlers, who gathered outside during the vote.

Under the plan, Israel will withdraw all its settlers - and the troops protecting them - but it will maintain control of Gaza's borders, coastline and airspace.

Four West Bank settlements are also to be evacuated.

The US, who has always backed the move as beneficial for the peace plan known as the roadmap, said the plan was a step in the right direction.

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However removing the settlers from Gaza will be very hard, becouse lots of them feel that Israel has reached it's biblical borders and it would be a "sin" to abandon such territory.

On the other hand, terrorist activity won't cease becouse of this. It can happen that the palestinians try to make it look like a retreat by attacking the settlers or the israeli forces stationed there, and thus, this move will generate more casualties in the short term.

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[edit on 26-10-2004 by Banshee]

[edit on 26-10-2004 by Banshee]