Settlements as tourist attractions?
Palestinian minister says mine, environment experts to examine settler homes following pullout to ensure sites safe for Palestinian visitors
In addition, 25,000 security guards will be deployed to secure the evacuated settlements, after which the PA will open the area “so the Palestinian people may enjoy observing the sites that have caused them so much frustration and depression throughout the years and that are now a source of hope,” he said.
According to Dahlan, 20,000 of the security guards set to guard the evacuated settlements are Gaza residents, while the remaining 5,000 are from the West Bank.
Immediately following pullout, a team of mine and environment experts will examine the evacuated settler homes to ensure no harm would come to the visiting Palestinians, he said.
United under one flag
Dahlan added that he hopes all Palestinians would take part in the disengagement celebrations.
“We hope the entire Palestinian public would be represented in these ‘chaflot (feasts), and all the factions would participate under one flag - the Palestinian flag,” he said.
“The world does not operate according to (Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon, and the world understands that the rift will not end unless the Palestinian nation receives all of its rights.”
Dahlan said he believes Israel’s pullout does not mark the end of the Palestinian struggle.
“The withdrawal from Gaza is first and foremost a victory of the Palestinian will, and we must show the world that we are handling it respectably to make it clear to Israel and the international community that if the region would be empty of settlements and occupation - there will be more peace and stability for all sides concerned,” he said.
Prisoner issue not forgotten
Dahlan said some 4,000 Palestinians are expected to work in the agricultural infrastructures left behind by Israel, adding that evacuated land and property would not be distributed among the elite or people with interests.
“Special teams have already prepared the laws that will be discussed in the Palestinian parliament so the land will be used only for the benefit of the Palestinian public,” he said.
The Palestinian minister reiterated the claims he presented to special Quartet Envoy James Wolfensohn, whereby Israel must clear the rubble of the destroyed settler homes.
He said a breakthrough is expected this week regarding negotiations with Israel on security measures at the border crossings, especially in relation to the Rafah crossing.
Dahlan said he had reached an agreement with Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz whereby 45,000 Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza would work in Israel following the pullout. Some of the workers will even be permitted to lodge in Israel, he said.
As to the Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli prisons, Dahlan said the PA would do everything in its power to progress the issue, especially with regard to the release of prisoners who have served long sentences.
