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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64391-2004Oct26.html
Knesset Votes for Gaza Pullout
(Washington Post) John Ward Anderson - Israel's parliament voted Tuesday by 67 to 45 to approve Prime Minister Sharon's Gaza disengagement plan to close all 21 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, evacuate their 8,100 residents, and withdraw Israeli troops that protect them. Israeli troops would pull out from most of Gaza by the end of 2005, but would retain control of Gaza's borders, coastline, and airspace. The plan must still clear several legislative hurdles. Many lawmakers favor subjecting the plan to a binding, nationwide referendum. Four government ministers who voted Tuesday in favor of the Gaza withdrawal said they would quit the Cabinet in two weeks if Sharon did not agree to a referendum.