Israel's occupation of Gaza ends

The Palestinian flag was hoisted over the areas from which Israel withdrew in Gaza marking the end of 38 years of the Israeli military occupation.

Upon the departure of the Israeli forces of its last positions in Jewish settlements, the Palestinian security forces entered carrying flags and signs of victory.

The spokesman for the Palestinian ministry of the interior Tawfiq Abu Khousa said that the Palestinian forces took control of the settlements south of Gaza. They are the complex of settlements of Ghoush Katif and Morag. The Palestinian flag was raised in the two settlements.

The Palestinians rushed towards the settlements in celbration, raising pictures of the "martyrs" of the Palestinian Intifada. Various Palestinian groups took part in the celebrations and armed Palestinians opened gunfire in the air in celebration, and raised Palestinian flags celebrating the occasion.

One Israeli military source said that the last Israeli soldier left on Monday morning Gaza.

Col. Aviv Koushavi who leads the Israeli forces in Gaza crossed Kivosim crossing while the Israeli bulldozers were closing the crossing.