Israel will remain an occupying power in the region even after the planned withdrawal from Gaza is carried out, according to an internal government assessment made public on Sunday.
According to AP, the report said that after Israel evacuates some 7,000 residents along with military troops during 2005, it will still be considered an occupying power under international law and will be held responsible for Gaza’s population.
This is because Israel will continue to control the crossings into Gaza, its coastline and airspace.
The study was drawn up by legal experts from the justice ministry, the foreign ministry and the army, AP reported.
The report said Israel could reduce its responsibility over the area if someone else took control there.
The study was given to the National Security Council, responsible for implementing the withdrawal. It suggested that the involvement of an international force or the establishment of a Palestinian state will reduce the burden on Israel.
Israeli officials said Israel is reluctant to hand security control to another party.
Israeli Minister Tzipi Livni said Israel hopes the international community will see in the Gaza withdrawal the end of occupation of the area.