Posted on 02/02/2004 4:45:26 PM PST by blam
Sharon to dismantle Gaza settlements
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says he plans to dismantle all 17 Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip.
Sharon spoke to leaders of his Likud Party just hours after being quoted by the Haaretz daily as saying that he has "given an order to plan for the evacuation" of the Gaza settlements, which are home to about 7,500 settlers.
Sharon's comments, published on the Haaretz website, are the most detailed yet on the possible removal of Gaza settlements.
The prime minister has said in recent weeks he would take unilateral steps, including removing some settlements and imposing a boundary on the Palestinians, if there is no progress in stalled peace efforts by this summer.
In the meeting with Likud legislators, "the prime minister confirmed that what was published is true," said Likud lawmaker Yechiel Hazan. "He said it is possible there will be no more Jews in the Gaza Strip."
Sharon did not tell Haaretz when the dismantling would begin, but suggested it could take some time. "It's not a simple matter," Sharon was quoted as saying about the possible removal of Gaza settlements.
"We are talking of thousands of square kilometres of hothouses, factories and packing plants. People there who are third-generation. The first thing is to ask their agreement, to reach an agreement with the residents," Sharon said.
"I am working on the assumption that in the future there will be no Jews in Gaza," Sharon added.
He said he would discuss the plan when he meets with US President George Bush. Sharon aides have said the prime minister hopes to see Bush later this month, although US officials have said no date has been set for a meeting.
Story filed: 13:44 Monday 2nd February 2004
BTW, we're no longer allowed to post articles from the Independent.
"The Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, expressed disbelief."
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