Mapping the 21 Illegal Settlements Israel Had in Gaza 20 Years Ago

Two decades ago, Israel undertook a significant shift in its approach to the Gaza Strip, marked by the disengagement plan initiated by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. This plan led to the dismantling of 21 settlements in Gaza, a move that not only reshaped the region but also had lasting implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This article explores the context of these settlements, the disengagement process, and the aftermath of this historic decision.

The Genesis of Settlements in Gaza

The establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza can be traced back to the aftermath of the Six-Day War in 1967. Following this conflict, Israel occupied several territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula. The first settlement in Gaza, Kfar Darom, was founded in 1970 as a military-agricultural outpost before evolving into a civilian community. It became part of Gush Katif, the largest Israeli settlement bloc in the Gaza Strip, located in the southern region, particularly around the Khan Younis and Rafah governorates.

Over the years, these settlements expanded, and by the early 2000s, they had become heavily fortified enclaves, protected by the Israeli military. The settlements were strategically positioned to control access to roads, high ground, and essential resources, effectively restricting Palestinian access to their land and limiting their freedom of movement.

The Disengagement Plan

The disengagement plan, known in Hebrew as “Hitnatkut,” was officially announced in December 2003 and received approval from the Knesset in October 2004. This plan aimed to dismantle 21 settlements in Gaza, as well as four in the northern West Bank, by the summer of 2005. The motivations behind this initiative were multifaceted: the high costs associated with defending isolated settlements, the demographic challenges posed by ruling over a significant Palestinian population, and the strategic objective of consolidating Israel’s control over larger settlements in the West Bank.

Despite the controversial nature of the plan, Ariel Sharon, a strong proponent of Israeli settlements, framed the disengagement as a strategic maneuver rather than a concession. His decision faced considerable opposition from within his Likud party and across the broader political landscape, yet he persisted, believing it was vital for Israel’s long-term security.

The Dismantling of Settlements

By September 2005, Israeli forces executed the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, with the last troops departing through the al-Karara (Kisufim) and Beit Hanoon (Erez) crossings. The dismantling of the 21 settlements marked a historic turning point, with many viewing it as an end to nearly four decades of military occupation in Gaza. At the time, these settlements housed approximately 8,000 settlers, who occupied about 20 percent of Gaza’s land, despite representing only 0.6 percent of the territory’s population.

The settlements that were dismantled included Netzarim, located just south of Gaza City, and several sites in northern Gaza. These areas were heavily protected by the Israeli military and surrounded by buffer zones that limited Palestinian movement. The removal of these settlements did not signify a complete withdrawal from Gaza; instead, Israel maintained control over the territory’s borders, airspace, and coastal waters.

Aftermath of Disengagement

Following the disengagement, Israel did not relinquish its control over Gaza. Instead, it sealed the territory by land, sea, and air, imposing significant restrictions on movement. The disengagement plan did not lead to a decrease in settlement activity; rather, it coincided with a surge in settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Today, estimates suggest that between 600,000 and 750,000 Israeli settlers reside in at least 250 settlements and outposts across these areas.

In August 2025, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans for the construction of approximately 3,400 housing units in E1, a strategically significant area located between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim. This expansion is seen as potentially undermining the viability of a contiguous Palestinian state by further fragmenting the territory.

Conclusion

The disengagement from Gaza remains a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with repercussions that continue to shape the region today. While the removal of settlements was intended to reduce tensions, it did not lead to a resolution of the broader conflict. Instead, Israel’s subsequent consolidation of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has heightened tensions and complicated the prospects for peace.

As the situation evolves, the legacy of the settlements dismantled in Gaza serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that define the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Key Facts

– **Disengagement Plan**: Announced in December 2003 and approved in October 2004, leading to the dismantling of 21 settlements in Gaza and four in the northern West Bank in 2005.
– **First Settlement**: Kfar Darom, established in 1970, was the first settlement in Gaza.
– **Settler Population**: At the time of disengagement, around 8,000 settlers occupied approximately 20% of Gaza’s land.
– **Israeli Control**: Post-disengagement, Israel maintained control over Gaza’s borders, airspace, and coastal waters.
– **Current Settlement Activity**: Between 600,000 and 750,000 Israeli settlers live in at least 250 settlements and outposts in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Source: www.aljazeera.com