Palestinians celebrate next week's Israeli Gaza pullout
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-08-13 11:56

Palestinians celebrate the coming Israeli pullout from Gaza Strip and a corner of the West Bank in Gaza city August 12, 2005. President Mahmoud Abbas joined thousands of Palestinians celebrating along Gaza's beachfront on Friday ahead of Israel's withdrawal from the occupied territory, due to start next week. Thousands of people waved flags, danced and sang in the afternoon sunshine while fishing boats flew the national colours of black, white, red and green. Many wore T-shirts with portraits of Abbas and his late predecessor Yasser Arafat. [Reuters]