Israel Seals Gaza Strip to Begin Pullout

[Bond]

KISSUFIM CROSSING, Israel - Israel lowered a road barrier sealing the
Gaza Strip to Israeli civilians at midnight Sunday — signaling the start of a historic withdrawal that will end its 38-year occupation, redraw borders and reshape prospects for Mideast peace.

The action made it illegal for Israelis to live in Gaza. Soldiers lowered a red road barrier at the Kissufim Crossing between Israel and Gaza, with a sign on the barrier reading: "Stop, entry into the Gaza Strip and presence there is prohibited by law."

With about 200 people looking on, the barrier was raised and lowered several times, apparently because of technical problems. Soldiers secured it with a wire to keep it shut.

Two large Israeli flags waved beside the barrier. As it went down, a traffic light changed from green to red and three vans carrying settlers and their belongings drove out of Gaza, never to return.

Source: Yahoo News

I suppose this is somewhat positive news. Although Israel gained control of the Gaza strip during the six days war when Israel defeated Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, who had mobilized their military forces against Israel, in a little less than a week.

[Xantar]

Well...the ball is in the Palestinians' court now. This is going to be truly interesting.

[Professor S]

Its going to get ugly. Call it a premonition, but I don't see the militant palestinians viewing this as an amicable truce. I think they'll view it as the time to go in for the kill, or most likely attack due to their fear of a lastling non-violent Israel/Palestine relationship.