Gaza pullout: Lama Hourani

Four Israelis and four Palestinians give their thoughts on the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

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"

Lama Hourani, NGO worker, Gaza City

The pullout will make no difference because it's a unilateral step.

For the Israelis, it's just strategic, trying to get Palestinians to forget the West Bank, Jerusalem and the creation of a Palestinian state.

Sharon is doing it purely for political gain, trying to show this 'great peaceful man' giving away 'so many concessions' to the Palestinians despite the violence.

I'm happy to have Israel out of Gaza, but they are killing the happiness because we know it's the last concession to us

They are practically saying that Gaza is now Palestine. Gaza has a bad economic situation and huge population problems, plus the authorities are weak. Sharon is hoping the Palestinians will fight amongst each other or elect Hamas.

Then he can say: "They don't deserve a state, they can't even control Gaza."

Most people here are happy about the pullout. I met one woman from Rafah who told me her 10-year old said: "In a few days, mama, we will be back to our land, we have to go and celebrate."

However, the PA is trying to control some of the celebrations for security reasons.

People are also worried about what will happen to the land. Civil groups are lobbying to issue laws regarding the guaranteed rights of private individuals to get their land back.

The PA and legislative council have issued orders after some people started to try and sell land before the settlers even left.

I'm still very happy to have Israel out of Gaza, but they are killing the happiness because we know this is the last concession to us.

As much as I am happy I am worried about the West Bank and pessimistic in general. It seems Israel never lets us have complete happiness.

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The following comments reflect the balance of views received:

The Palestinians will be "free" to rebuild "their own country", after years of forced demolitions and devastations, but they will still be under Israeli military control. When (and if) an airport will be built, it will be Israeli authorities that will define which and how many flights come through. When (and if) an harbour will be built, it will be Israeli authorities who decide which ships will be accepted. When (and if) all the settlers will have left Gaza, it will still be up to Israeli authorities to regulate the amount of water that the region receives. Only when (and if) Israel will comply with the UN resolutions, then, and only then, it will be "good enough".
Giacomo, Manchester, UK

I want to tell Lama to have faith. The Israelis are leaving this land because it is becoming a losing battle for them. They are not being generous nor making any concessions. This victory is well deserved by the Palestinians and there is no reason why it can't happen again.
Muhammad,

When will the Palestinians learn self respect? Hating Israelis will not bring them prosperity. The olive branch must come from both sides. Sharon has shown that he has peaceful intentions in the last leg of his life. What does Abbas show now? It is for the Palestinians to make their own country
Pinaki Ghosh, Austin, USA

Strange that people seem to know what will be Israel's next step, if any. There will be elections soon. No one knows who is likely to win these elections. Everyone was surprised by this step, and more surprises might come. Let the Palestinians encourage Israelis to take more steps for mutual benefits. The negative critic just confirms Israeli ideas that whatever Israel does it will never be good or enough. Palestinians are taking about a big prison while there are enough reports about talks about a withdrawal of the Philadelphia corridor and agreements with Egypt to control the border. At least there will be a gate to the prison. I believe events will go very quick, be it good or bad, but I am quite optimistic and believe there will be an airport and harbour soon, and even a railway link to the West Bank. It will be up to the Palestinians to build their own country, and they will have no one to blame.
Serge, Antwerp, Belgium