Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How did Israeli forces carry out the evacuation of settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Ariel Sharon
Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon, March 8, 2001.
In 2005, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon implemented a unilateral disengagement plan to remove all Israeli settlers and security forces from the Gaza Strip.12
The evacuation process involved several key stages:
- Preparation and Compensation: In September 2004, the Israeli security cabinet approved financial compensation packages for settlers who agreed to relocate voluntarily.2
- Initial Withdrawal: By the August 15, 2005, deadline, approximately two-thirds of the settlers had left their homes.2
- Enforcement: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) notified remaining residents that evacuation would be enforced starting August 17. While many left when prompted, others resisted and had to be physically carried away by soldiers.2
- Specific Resistance: Notable confrontations occurred, such as at the synagogue in Kfar Darom, where soldiers broke through barricades to remove protesters. The final evacuation occurred on August 22 at Netzarim following a prayer service.2
- Final Clearance: Following the removal of the settlers, Israeli forces demolished residential buildings and dismantled military installations, completing the withdrawal on September 12, 2005.2