Why Israel Must Reverse the 2005 Gaza Withdrawal and Resettle Gush Katif

As the anniversary of the 2005 Gaza withdrawal approaches, the article strongly advocates for Israel to reverse its decision and resettle Jewish communities in Gaza, particularly in the Gush Katif region. It frames the 2005 expulsion as a "catastrophic error" that has led directly to the horrors of Oct. 7, transforming Gaza into a launching pad for terror instead of a step toward peace.

The author contends that restoring Jewish life in Gaza is the necessary response to Hamas's crimes and the only means to ensure Hamas pays a "concrete and lasting price." The article vividly recalls the expulsion of over 8,000 pioneers from 21 thriving communities, the demolition of homes, and the desecration of synagogues. It notes that the world-renowned greenhouses, which supplied a significant portion of Israel's agricultural exports, were handed over to those who would later use the territory for attacks.

Jewish history in Gaza stretches back over three millennia, the article asserts, refuting the notion that it is foreign soil. It cites the Hebrew name "Azza" echoing through sacred texts, its inclusion in the territory promised to Abraham's descendants, and evidence of a flourishing Jewish presence during the Second Temple and Byzantine periods, including an ancient synagogue mosaic depicting King David. The presence of prominent rabbis and scholars, like Rabbi Israel Najara, further underscores this historical connection.

The piece concludes that after Hamas seized control in 2007, Gaza became an "Iranian forward base," resulting in repeated wars and the Oct. 7 massacre. The argument is that when Jews left Gaza, "death and destruction entered in their place." The article suggests that the idea of resettling Gaza, once considered fringe, is now gaining mainstream traction as a vital security and historical imperative for Israel.