What led Israel to withdraw its soldiers and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005?

Israel’s decision to withdraw its soldiers and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005 was primarily driven by the unsustainable cost of the occupation. During the second intifada (2000–2005), the Israeli public faced rising casualties among soldiers deployed to defend the 21 settlements located within the territory.123

Although Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had initially opposed withdrawal proposals, the mounting human and security costs led him to embrace a unilateral disengagement plan. By removing the military and civilian presence, Sharon sought to end Israel's direct responsibility for the territory. The plan was approved by the Knesset in 2004, and the evacuation of approximately 9,000 settlers and the dismantling of military installations were completed by September 2005.13

While the withdrawal was intended to allow for potential Palestinian development, it occurred without coordination with the Palestinian Authority. Following the pullout, Hamas claimed that its campaign of violence had forced the Israeli retreat, subsequently winning legislative elections in 2006 and seizing full control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.142