Sharon pleads for MPs support for Gaza withdrawal

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told parliament today he is determined to press ahead with his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank, but remains open to peace talks with the Palestinians after their violent uprising ends.

In a speech repeatedly interrupted by heckling, Sharon appealed to MPs to vote for his “unilateral disengagement” plan tomorrow to help Israelis live in peace after four years of violent conflict with the Palestinians.