Qurei expects Gaza pullout to pave way for statehood

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei said Tuesday that Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip will pave the way for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

"This withdrawal should prepare for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state," Qurei told reporters as he was touring the evacuated settlements in Gaza, one day after Israel completed its final stage of withdrawal from the coastal strip.

During his tour, Qurei urged the Palestinians to stop pillage at the evacuated settlements but to begin reconstruction.

Following Israel's withdrawal on Monday, hundreds of thousands of exultant Palestinians began scavenging among the rubble left by evacuated army and setting synagogues which were left behind intact ablaze.

Qurei also called on the Palestinians to make continued efforts to gain back the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which, together with the Gaza Strip, were captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.

The Gaza withdrawal, marking the end of Israel's 38-year occupation of the strip, is the first time Israel withdrew from lands the Palestinians want for a viable state.

Source: Xinhua