Gaza pullout: Shimon Klein

The BBC News website and BBCArabic.com spoke to four Israelis and four Palestinians for 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"

Shimon Klein, hospital pharmacist, Bet Hefer in Israel

I think it's a good move but I do have reservations.

The problems I have with it are basically security problems.

It brings terror groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad closer to Israeli areas. There is a danger they will bring terror to places such as Ashkelon with rockets and mortar fire.

I also don't see the Palestinian Authority doing much about this, apart from paying lip service to reigning them in.

I also fear that the al-Qaeda movement will have an easier time of establishing cells in the territory, that for me is a definite fear.

I'm not a right-winger and I don't support the settlements, they were the impetus which started this terrorism. They gave Israel the label of being a colonising power and it didn't help Israel's image internationally.

The Palestinians, understandably, do not like the settlers much and it's not in Israel's interests to have them among such hostile territory.

The good things about it are that it will improve Israel's image which is extremely important. I feel Israel's credibility was severely damaged when we allowed settlements to be built in Gaza and then complained about the lack of security.

It was a complete paradox.

In the end, the mainstream in this country are in favour of this disengagement. It's a sigh of relief on their part

It is also important for the lives of the soldiers, who have to spend their military service protecting the settlers and getting shot at as a result.

This is a very important aspect few people realise. I'm totally secular and it's galling to me, I wouldn't like to be in a situation protecting these people, who are filled with religious zeal.

I think there will be resistance, but not widescale violence. That's why they have sent many soldiers down to the south to prevent potential violence.

A lot has been exaggerated - many settlers have already left and it's more media spin than anything else.

I think most settlers have come to terms with the fact they have to leave.

Sharon has made a very brave decision, despite a lot of opposition from his party.

In the end, the mainstream in this country are in favour of this disengagement. It's a sigh of relief on their part.

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The following comments reflect the balance of views received:

This pull-out was necessary strategically for Israel. At the moment world opinion is supportive but this will not last. Very soon the international left will be demanding more Israeli withdrawals in the West Bank and from Jerusalem. Gaza and the four settlements in the West Bank that also were evacuated this week should be the last Israeli territorial compromise until the Palestinians and the Arab nations show - not just say but show - that they will recognise Israel, live in real peace with her and respect her security. Otherwise forget it.
David, Portland, Oregon

It is a little ironic to see settlers protesting getting evicted from their land, just as the Palestinans were in 1967. If they want to stay so bad, why don't they apply for Palestinan citizenship? Obviously that will never happen. This is a sad confirmation of how Israel is no better than South Africa was during apartheid.
Fady Haddad, Baltimore, Maryland

I agree with what Mr Graham Purnell says that (quote) "compromise is the key to the problems of Israel" and that "it's the essence of civilized behaviour". Israel is taking a huge leap forward in the name of peace by withdrawing from Gaza this time, just like it bent over backwards and went as far as offer East Jerusalem in Camp David ( Barak). Sadly, as Israel is preparing to make concessions, Hamas is wowing to continue armed resistance. I can empathise with how some insecure some Israelis must feel and how once more it seems that they're surrendering another slice of the pie for nothing.
Sonia Ripa, Toronto, Canada

I would really like to believe that Mr Klein's opinion reflect those of the majority of Israelis who have misgivings both about the manner in which their government has handled the Palestinian issue and, also, in the way the Palestinian Authority allowed itself to become corrupt and dogged by brutality and political in-fighting.
Hans Stiles, Chessington, Surrey

It is good to hear a moderate voice on this issue from an Israeli. It is not that there aren't more Israeli Jews who feel this way, it is just that the extreme views tend to be expressed louder and more dramatically, and hence grab more media attention. Christians look on with self-righteous puzzlement at the conflict in the Middle East, yet the situation is mostly of their making. Compromise (not a word of weakness but the essence of civilised behaviour) is the true key to the problems of Israel. The Jews must give up some of their wants and the Palestinians must give up some of theirs in order to find a peaceful path. Perhaps the Gaza pullout can be the start of this process.
Graham Purnell, Edinburgh, Scotland

Settlements did not start terror attacks. They have been happening since the start of the 20th century.
Anonymous

I agree with Shimon's comments and applaud the bravery of the Israeli government. I do feel that the settlers should have the option to stay and live under Palestinian rule if they so wish. Many Muslims and Christians live as Israelis in peace. People forget that Israelis are from other faiths as well, and for this reason, you should be able to be a Palestinian citizen and a Jew.
Matthew, London, UK