IDF on garbage collection duty in Gaza
Soldiers pick up waste, remove any sign of Israeli presence in Strip
The soldiers are not expected to clear the rubble of homes destroyed by the army, but are concentrating on picking up waste and papers, including signs and orange ribbons, left over from months of anti-pullout protests.
Gaza Division Commander Aviv Kochavi said the aim of the cleanup operation is to leave the Strip in an orderly and dignified manner. The IDF has also decided to remove any sign of Israeli sovereignty from Gush Katif, including road signs and flags.
Deliberations held by the government and senior military officials resulted in a decision to leave Gaza earlier than planned, August 15, and troops are expected to begin to leave by next week. The IDF has announced that it is ready to leave Gaza just hours after the order is given, and military equipment has already been removed from the area.
Unresolved question
One factor still impeding a quick IDF exit is the question of what to do with the synagogues not yet destroyed.
The High Court has ordered the State to examine the possibility of handing the buildings over to Palestinian hands, with international supervision, but the State Prosecutor said that the Palestinian Authority has ruled out such an option, saying it could not protect the synagogues.
The Prosecutor also said that it was not in Israel’s interest to inject international forces into Gaza.
In the course of the day, a ‘locking up prayer’ ceremony will be conducted for the Gaza synagogues, and attended by right wing Knesset Members, rabbis, and possibly representatives of former settlers.
