Before recovering their territory, the Palestinians are waiting for the departure of the remaining Tsahal troops

Since 1967 and the Six-Day War, Israel has occupied the Gaza Strip. Its disengagement, ordered by Ariel Sharon in 2004, remains a historical move. On the Palestinian side, the unexpected decision has aroused a great amout of hope. Then the population’s joy was felt during the Israeli withdrawal, from the departure of the settlers in August until the nighttime departure of the Tsahal forces on the 11th of September 2005.

I have followed, from the Palestinian side, the last days of this historical transition. Monday, 12 September, thousands of jubilant Palestinians took over the deserted Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip and the border with Egypt, and started a chaotic and spontaneous celebration ending 38 years of occupation. Palestinian armed groups held shows of force and marched the streets of Gaza and the main cities, while some young Palestinians took over the empty settlements and others went for a swim in the previously inaccessible sea. Others, in Rafah, took advantage of the general confusion to cross the border with Egypt. However, will the departure of the Jewish settlers and soldiers bring a decent future to a population which continues to be trapped within its own frontiers and its infighting ?