The government's decision to leave Gaza and the polls that show a majority of Israelis support the move have left them baffled.

Most are relieved to have left troubled Gaza behind.

"I am proud of the way we have left Gaza," he told reporters.

She said she looked forward to the Israelis leaving Gaza.

The two men, with bombs in their possession, managed to leave Gaza and return to Israel, the official said.

Some 8 000 settlers have left Gaza as a result of a decision by Israel - a most welcome development.

To get them to leave Gaza peacefully, the army promised to keep them together.

The woman was caught trying to leave Gaza, with a permit to visit the hospital and explosives attached to her underclothes.

Three days later, the last Israeli troops left Gaza.

The bus, which had not yet reached the junction, turned back to leave Gaza.