Pullout 'vital' - Sharon
2005-02-20 11:41
Jerusalem - The pullout of Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip is vital for the future of the state of Israel, prime minister Ariel Sharon said on Sunday as the cabinet gathered to approve the planned withdrawal from the territory.
"This is not an easy day, it is not a happy day," he said at the start of the meeting which should culminate in a vote to leave occupied Palestinian territory for the first time in Israel's history.
"The evacuation of settlements in Gaza and Shomron (in the northern West Bank) is a very painful process for the residents, the citizens of Israel and for me and other members of the government," Sharon added.
"But it is a vital decision for the future of the state of Israel."
- AFP