Published: September 13, 2005
Completion of Gaza Withdrawal welcomed by U.S.
Secretary praises cooperation of Israelis, Palestinians
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice welcomed the completion Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and called for cooperation from the entire international community in efforts to restore the Palestinian economy and security forces as the Palestinians lay the foundations for a future state.
"This is an historic moment for both sides, and the commitment of both sides to a successful disengagement process has been impressive," Rice said in a September 12 statement.
Israel withdrew its last military forces from Gaza September 12, just four weeks after officials called on residents of the 21 Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip to evacuate the territory. This marks the first time that Israel has withdrawn settlements from land it occupied during the 1967 war. Israel also withdrew from four settlements in the West Bank as part of the disengagement.
Rice said the withdrawal will enhance Israel’s security and allow the Palestinians to begin building the institutions necessary for a future state. She praised the cooperation of the Israelis and Palestinians in ensuring that the process moved forward smoothly.
Source: U.S. Department of State
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