Forced evacuation of Gaza Strip to begin on Aug. 17

Sunday, July 10, 2005

JERUSALEM -- The forced evacuation of Gaza Strip Jewish settlements will begin Aug. 17 and settlers who refuse to leave by then will lose out financially, a senior Israeli official said Saturday, giving a starting date for the first time. Settler leaders have accused the government of trying to undercut resistance to the evacuation of Gaza's settlements and four in the West Bank with what they say are empty threats. Those who refuse to evacuate and are forcefully removed from their homes will be denied special government loans or discounts available to people who agree to leave early.

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