Last Israeli Soldiers Leave Gaza, Ending 38-Year Occupation

End of an Era

The last Israeli soldier left Gaza Strip at dawn, closing the Kissufim crossing gate and ending 38 years of Israeli occupation. The military withdrawal, completed ahead of schedule, transfers control of Gaza to Palestinians for the first time since 1967.

Final Withdrawal

Symbolic moments:

Last soldier exits at 6:40 AM
Israeli flag lowered at Kissufim
Gates welded shut
Military bases demolished
Surveillance equipment removed

Military Statement

IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz:

“We have completed the disengagement mission with dignity and determination. The IDF will continue to protect Israel’s citizens from outside Gaza’s borders.”

Palestinian Celebrations

Joy and Chaos

Thousands flood former settlements:

Palestinian flags raised everywhere
Abandoned synagogues torched
Greenhouses looted despite PA guards
Beaches accessed after decades
Spontaneous demonstrations erupt

Power Vacuum Concerns

Competing forces vie for control:

PA Security: Struggles to maintain order
Hamas Militants: Display weapons openly
Criminal Groups: Loot infrastructure
Clan Militias: Claim territory
International Observers: Document chaos

The Aftermath

Infrastructure Challenges

What Israel left behind:

3,000 greenhouses (many damaged)
Demolished settlement buildings
Damaged road networks
No functioning ports
Limited border crossings

Economic Questions

Gaza faces immediate needs:

60% unemployment rate
No industrial base
Agricultural expertise lacking
Export routes uncertain
International aid dependent

Security Arrangements

New Border Reality

Israel maintains control over:

Air space completely
Territorial waters
Border crossings (except Rafah)
Electromagnetic sphere
Movement to West Bank

Egyptian Role

Rafah crossing arrangements:

Egypt assumes border control
EU monitors to observe
Palestinian guards deployed
Video surveillance to Israel
Limited opening hours

Political Ramifications

Israeli Politics

Sharon faces backlash:

Likud rebels form new party
Netanyahu positions for leadership
Settler movement feels betrayed
Security establishment divided
Early elections expected

Palestinian Dynamics

Abbas government challenged:

Hamas claims credit for “liberation”
January elections approach
Security control questioned
Economic delivery pressure
International expectations high

International Response

Quartet Statement

International community responds:

Praises Israeli withdrawal
Urges Palestinian responsibility
Promises economic assistance
Calls for West Bank progress
Roadmap revival suggested

Aid Pledges

Donor conference results:

World Bank: $3 billion over 3 years
EU: €500 million immediate aid
US: $50 million direct support
Arab States: Investment promises
UN: Humanitarian assistance

Immediate Challenges

Border Crossings

Critical issues emerge:

Karni crossing procedures disputed
Agricultural exports rotting
Worker movement restricted
Humanitarian supplies delayed
International pressure mounting

Security Incidents

First post-withdrawal violence:

Qassam rockets fired at Sderot
Israeli artillery responds
Cycle threatens to resume
International concern grows
Ceasefire appeals issued

Historical Assessment

Disengagement Balance Sheet

Achievements:

Settlers evacuated peacefully
No Israeli casualties
International praise earned
Demographic concerns addressed

Failures:

Coordination minimal
Infrastructure damaged
Economic planning absent
Security arrangements unclear

Looking Forward

Unanswered Questions

Gaza’s future uncertain:

Will PA establish control?
Can economy develop under closure?
Will Hamas moderate or radicalize?
How will Israel respond to attacks?
Is West Bank next?

The completion of Gaza disengagement marks a watershed moment, but whether it leads to peace or further conflict depends on decisions made in coming months by Israelis, Palestinians, and the international community.