Palestinians celebrate impending withdrawal

Tens of thousands of Palestinians crowded into Gaza City’s small fishing harbour today to celebrate the impending Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, waving flags and hearing promises from their leader, Mahmoud Abbas, that the West Bank and Jerusalem will be next.

The government-organised rally under the theme Setting Sail for Freedom – the first mass celebration – was part of an attempt by Abbas to seek credit for the pullout, and defuse claims by political rival Hamas that its attacks have driven Israel out.