Gaza Exit Revisited: 20 Years On, Settlers Ask If Historic Move Was a Misstep

BREAKING NEWS 20 Years Later, Israelis Ask if Gaza Exit Backfired - and If It's Time to Go Back TEL AVIV, Israel (September 19, 2025) - In a shocking turn of events, thousands of Jewish settlers who were forcibly removed from the Gaza Strip in 2005 are now questioning whether their exit was a strategic mistake. The withdrawal, led by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, aimed to pave the way for peace with Palestinians. However, 20 years on, many Israelis are rethinking this decision. The Timeline August 18, 2005: Israeli troops and police evacuate Jewish settlers from Gaza. 2005: The Israeli government withdraws all military presence from Gaza. Present day (2025): Thousands of Jewish settlers who were removed from Gaza begin to question the decision. Immediate Impact and Response The withdrawal led to a significant increase in rocket attacks on Israel, with over 15,000 rockets launched at Israeli cities since 2005. The Israeli government has struggled to contain the situation, with some calling for a return to the Gaza Strip to reassert control. Background Context For decades, Jewish settlers lived in the Gaza Strip, protected by soldiers. In 2005, Prime Minister Sharon pushed through the unilateral withdrawal as part of a "road map" for peace advanced by the Middle East Quartet: the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, and Russia. What Happens Next As tensions rise, Israeli leaders are facing mounting pressure to reconsider their Gaza policy. Some are calling for a return to the Strip, while others argue that this would be a costly and potentially disastrous move. The situation remains volatile, with no clear solution in sight. Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Npr reporting.*