Israel withdraws troops from Gaza after 38 years

On September 12, 2005, the last of the Israeli troops departed from the Gaza Strip, marking a significant withdrawal after almost four decades of military presence in the area. The withdrawal was in line with a plan initiated by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who aimed to reshape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict landscape. Following the departure of the troops, the Palestinian Authority immediately reclaimed control over the region, an area that had been under Israeli control since the Six-Day War in 1967. This move was celebrated by many Palestinians, as it represented a return to what they considered their homeland. The evacuation process, known as disengagement, not only involved the withdrawal of military forces but also included the uprooting of a number of Israeli settlements that had been established within the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government justified the disengagement as a means to further the peace process, asserting that it would allow for the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, it also faced criticism from various sectors within Israel and the international community who questioned the efficacy and motivation behind the withdrawal. In the aftermath of the pullout, Gaza became a focal point of international attention, with the region facing numerous challenges, including a power struggle among Palestinian factions, notably between Hamas and Fatah. These internal divisions complicated governance and led to increased tensions and violence in the area. The withdrawal did not lead to lasting peace; rather, it set the stage for future conflicts between Israel and Palestinian groups. The events surrounding the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza are seen as pivotal in understanding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They highlight the complexities of peace efforts in the region and the struggle for sovereignty by the Palestinian people. The legacy of that day continues to echo in current affairs, reminding observers of the enduring tensions and the quest for resolution in this long-standing conflict.