Israeli forces enter largest Gaza settlement (China Daily/Agencies) Updated: 2005-08-17 06:05
NEVE DEKALIM, Gaza Strip: Israeli security forces poured into the largest
Gaza settlement yesterday, clashing with crowds of protesters defying orders for
Jews to leave the occupied territory by midnight or be removed.
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Jewish settlers cry during scuffles with soldiers and police in the
Neve Dekalim settlement in the Gush Katif bloc of Jewish settlements in
the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. Israeli security forces poured into
Neve Dekalim, the largest Gaza settlement yesterday, clashing with
protesters defying orders for Jews to leave the occupied territory by
midnight or be forcibly evicted. [Reuters]
| Soldiers and police trying to take control of Neve Dekalim, a flashpoint of
resistance against the first uprooting of Jewish settlements on land
Palestinians want for a state, dragged away more than 50 youths, some kicking,
punching and cursing.
The scuffles, the most violent since the army issued a 48-hour eviction
notice to Gaza settlers, were wreathed in smoke as hundreds of demonstrators
trying to block moving vans entering the settlement burned piles of rubbish on
the main street.
Some protesters pelted troops with paint-filled balloons, and one settler
woman lay down in front of a bulldozer. A few people in the crowd were left with
bloodied faces.
Officials vowed to do whatever was necessary to clear the way for settlers
leaving under Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan for "disengaging" from
conflict with Palestinians. Anyone left after the midnight (2100 GMT) deadline
faces forcible eviction.
"We do not intend to blink," said Brigadier-General Miri Regev, chief
military spokeswoman. "If there is no choice, the police will arrest all of the
lawbreakers."
Taking heed of the deadline, many settlers packed up
trucks and shipping containers and joined an exodus that Israel says will mark
the end of its 38-year occupation of the Gaza Strip.
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