Right now there are no Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip . The only Israeli citizens (in the strip) are the security forces.

The military rule that began with the Six-Day War ends today. I hope that the departure of our forces from the Gaza Strip symbolizes the beginning of a period of tranquillity.

After the 17th, the only thing left will be for them to fight with the army.

They can wave any flag they want, but we expect the Palestinian Authority to take full responsibility.

We are at the start of a new beginning, a historic opportunity for a better future for both peoples.

What we saw here crossed all boundaries.