Gaza Disengagement Plan: Timetable for Evacuating Settlements

The committee overseeing Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four settlements in the West Bank required by the Sharon Plan has outlined a timetable for the evacuations ending in September 2005.

July 2004: Army begins preparing for withdrawal from security installations in Gaza.

August 2004 through July 2005: Voluntary evacuations of Jewish settlers, according to compensation arrangements.

October 2004: Israeli target for working out understandings with international organizations, like the World Bank, on the transfer of property in Gaza to the Palestinians.

February 2005: Sharon to bring to his Cabinet the first of four votes on evacuating settlements.

July 2005: The last of the four Cabinet votes.

Aug. 14, 2005: Deadline for settlers to voluntarily leave Gaza and the four West Bank enclaves. Only security forces and settlers who have refused to leave remain. Army declares the area a closed military zone.

Sept. 1, 2005: Army begins forceful evacuations of remaining settlers.

Sept. 15, 2005: Forceful evacuation of settlers ends.

Sept. 30, 2005: Army to complete military withdrawal, although it may remain in narrow corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt.

Sources: Jerusalem Post, (June 10, 2004)