Gaza pullout: Israeli-Palestinian views

Israel has begun implementing its plan to withdraw some 8,000 settlers and the soldiers protecting them out of the Gaza Strip as a unilateral security measure. It will also withdraw from four small West Bank settlements.

Hakeem: Govt worker, Gaza "At the moment we live in a prison, but soon we will be free" Abdullah: Accountant, Gaza "Further agreements to improve conditions in Gaza must follow" Ashraf Accountant, W Bank "It is a trick to mislead domestic and world opinion" Lama: Aid worker, Gaza city "The Gaza pullout will make no difference - it's a unilateral step"

Ayelet: Lecturer, Haifa "I'm happy about the withdrawal - it will bring peace of mind" Shimon: 58, Pharmacist "I think it's a good move but I do have reservations" Arlene: Writer, Jerusalem "The withdrawal gives the upper hand to terrorists" Anita: Farmer, Gush Khatif "The evacuation is totally immoral and unethical"

The BBC News website and BBCArabic.com spoke to four Palestinians and four Israelis for their views on the controversial move.

We asked how the pullout will affect their lives, what they think, if anything, it will achieve, and what it means for the Middle East peace process.

You can comment on each chapter using the form at the end of each person's story.

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The panel may not be representative of wider public opinion.