Gaza Disengagement: The People

The Gaza Strip is a 378 square kilometer area that spans the coastline between southern Israel and northern Egypt.

In July 2005, the population of Gaza Strip is:

• 99.4% Palestinian Arab and others versus 0.6% Jewish
• 1,300,000 Palestinians versus 8,000 Jews

The 20 Jewish Settlements in the Gaza Strip are as follows:

1. Elei Sinai
   founded 1983, 95 families, 450 people
2. Dugit
   founded 1982, 20 families, 70+ people
3. Nisanit
   founded 1980, 400 families, 1200 people
4. Netzarim
   founded 1972, 70 families, 450 people
5. Kfar Darom
   refounded 1989, 65 families
6. Tel Katifa
   founded 1992, 22 families, 100 people
7. Netzer Hazani
   founded 1972, 70 families, 400+ people
8. Katif
   founded 1985, 65 families, 330+ people
9. Ganei Tal
   founded 1979, 80 families, 450+ people
10. Shirat HaYam
    founded 2000, 70 people
11. Kfar Yam
    founded 1983, 4 families
12. Neveh Dekelim
    founded 1983, 520+ families, 2500+ people
13. Gadid
    founded 1982, 60 families, 350+ people
14. Gan Or
    founded 1983, 70 families, 400+ people
15. Bedolah
    founded 1986, 35 families, 220 people
16. Pe’at Sadeh
    founded 1989, 20 families, 110 people
17. Shalev
    founded 1980, 10 families
18. Atzmona
    founded 1978, 75 families, 500+ people
19. Rafiah Yam
    founded 1984, 25 families, 150 people
20. Morag
21. founded 1972, 37 families

In 2004, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon presented his Gaza Disengagement Plan. The Knesset ratified the Disengagement Plan in 2005, and August 15, 2005 was designated the Day to begin evacuating Jews from the Gaza Strip. In response, a passionate, nationwide anti-disengagement campaign launched, which has included demonstrations, bumper stickers and orange ribbons on cars, blocking of traffic, oil and nails on the highway, clashes with the Israeli police and soldiers, and the planting of dummy bombs.