Palestinians rejoice as Gaza becomes home

NEVE DEKALIM - Jubilant Palestinians charged into Gaza's abandoned Jewish settlements, planting flags on the rubble as Israeli troops ended their 38-year presence.

"This is a day of happiness and joy that the Palestinian people have not witnessed for a century," President Mahmoud Abbas said.

Thousands of Palestinian security men waving victory signs took over as Israeli tanks trundled out, giving up settlements on land that Palestinians want for a state.

"The mission is complete," said Brigadier Aviv Kochavi. "Israel's 38-year presence has ended."

Attacking symbols of the hated Israeli occupation, youths set ablaze several synagogues left behind in the 21 settlements evacuated last month.

The Palestinian Authority said Israel was trying to saddle it with the blame if synagogues were wrecked. Abbas said that since all religious symbols had been removed, they were no different to other buildings.

The withdrawal is likely to win Sharon international accolades when he addresses the UN General Assembly on Thursday. Washington hopes it will revive peacemaking.

Palestinians are angry that Israel will continue to control Gaza's borders, airspace and waters and say the occupation is far from over.

Some Palestinians chanted "Allahu Akhbar" - God is greatest - and held up pictures of dead militants. Some kissed the ground.

Others visited pristine beaches they could not reach for years.

"Today is the happiest day in my life," said Jawad Abu Lafi, 50, after praying amid the rubble of one former settlement.

Israelis cheered and hugged each other as they left Gaza, scene of some of the worst Arab-Israeli violence.

The poor territory is a volatile testing ground for statehood.

Abbas' first task will be to enforce law and order in the Gaza Strip and rein in powerful militant groups which refuse to disarm. Israel has threatened massive retaliation if attacks from Gaza continue.

"We will not tolerate their ineptitude or ignore acts of terror. They will not be able to shirk their responsibility," said military Chief of Staff Dan Halutz.

However, one masked Hamas militant said in Gaza: "Four years of our resistance have done more than 10 years of negotiations." Rightist Israelis have said the withdrawal was a capitulation.

- REUTERS