Start of Gaza Strip evacuation

(Communicated by the IDF Spokesman and Israel Police)

"In accordance with article 22A of the Implementation of the Disengagement Plan Law 2005, the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense have ordered that today, August 17, 2005, the evacuation of the residents of the Gaza Strip will commence.

IDF, Border Police and Israeli Police forces have been operating since the early morning hours in several Israeli communities who have yet to evacuate and are asking of the residents and citizens to act in accordance with the law and evacuate the area via the IDF organized transportation.

The evacuating forces are prepared to meet the citizens' resistance to the evacuation and they will operate with all due sensitivity and determination needed to fully complete the mission.

The IDF and Israeli Police continue to be on high alert in order to provide an immediate response to any security threats or disturbances that may arise."

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"On the first day of enforced evacuation as part of the disengagement, 17 August 2005, IDF and Israel Police forces have been evacuating 6 communities - Neve Dekalim, Ganei Tal, Bedolah, Morag, Tel Katifa and Kerem Atzmona.

The evacuation of the community of Tel Katifa has been completed. In the community of Morag and Bedolah the evacuation of the synagogues has been completed. The forces have begun the evacuation of the synagogue in the community of Kerem Atzmona. It should be noted that residents from 583 houses and public buildings have been evacuated, out of a total of 2206 buildings that exist throughout all Israeli communities in the Gaza Strip."

Source: Israeli Government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs more at Gaza Strip evacuation or Gaza Strip and Gaza and Palestine or Israel