Thousands of Palestinians gathered overnight around the evacuated settlements in the Gaza Strip, cheering and dancing and watching the Israeli forces' historic withdrawal after 38 years of occupation.

The Israeli army's departure from the Gaza Strip after nearly four decades of occupation is a "day of joy," said Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Monday.

The Israeli army lowered their national flag late Sunday to start the final phase of the historic Gaza pullout after the clearing of all settlers from Gaza three weeks ago.

The withdrawal, code-named "Last Watch," marked the first time Israel has removed Jews from Palestinian territories occupied during the 1967 Six-Day War.

Officers from the Palestinian national security forces had entered seven settlements in the Gaza Strip and planted flag staffs there, said the Palestinian officials.

Palestinian colonel Jamal Kayed also said the security forces currently concentrated west of the Khan Younis refugee camp would enter the settlements in coordination with the Israeli army.

"First, we will scan for bombs and mines, then we will hand over the areas to the different committees. Then, ordinary residents will be able to enter into the areas," said Kayed.

Dozens of Palestinian militants and members of Fatah, Islamic Jihad and Hamas gathered close to the settlement of Nitzarim south of Gaza City. However, Palestinian security forces warned them notto enter the settlement.

The ordinary people have the right to celebrate in the settlement, "but they don't have the right to take any of the properties there," security forces said.

An air of happiness pervaded Gaza Strip as Palestinian interviewed by Xinhua said they cannot suppress their happiness at witnessing Israel's pullout after 38 years of occupation.

Some 300 meters from the settlement of Morag, south of Khan Younis, dozens of Palestinian children climbed hills of sand and rubble to watch the Israeli forces pull out of the area.

Amin Abu Jazzar, who lives in the area, said that he doesn't want to miss the historic moment, adding "I can smell freedom now,and it is a festival day when the Jews leave our lands."

"I can't express my happiness when I see the occupation forces leaving our territories," said Tareq al Derhally, a 35 year-old worker from Khan Younis. "I'm not going to sleep tonight. I will stay awake until I see them finally withdrawing," he added.

Tawfeeq Abu Khousa, spokesman of the Interior Ministry told reporters that Palestinians will hold a gala ceremony on Wednesdayin the Mawasi area, where there were many Jewish settlements and settlers.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinian teens gathered west of Khan Younis and threw stones at the Israeli tanks and armored vehicles.The soldiers opened fire and wounded five Palestinians.

Thousands of Palestinians also gathered near the checkpoint of Abu Holi, which remained closed by Israeli soldiers, splitting the Gaza Strip into two separate areas.

Ali al-Farra, 29, who travels daily between Gaza and Khan Younis said "we have been waiting and waiting to cross the roadblock, and minutes are passing like years. I hope they (Israelis) would leave soon and never come back."

Source: Xinhua