JERUSALEM (JTA) — An $87 million agreement has ended damages claims for compensation by Jewish evacuees from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Israel’s Cabinet approved the agreement Sunday.
"The agreement will allow for the completion of the evacuees’ moves to permanent communities and their embarking on a new path," said a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Some 8,600 Jews living in 17 communities in the Gush Katif section of Gaza and four northern West Bank communities were evacuated by the Israeli government six years ago.
All Gush Katif community representatives, business owners and farmers signed the agreement, according to the statement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that with the pact’s signing, a human tragedy that has continued for years has been brought to a close.
"The evacuees may now focus on rehabilitating their lives," Netanyahu said.
