Gaza disengagement evacuation begins

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat dies in France, opening a transition in the leadership of the PLO and Palestinian Authority.

Mahmoud Abbas wins the Palestinian Authority presidential election following Arafat’s death; the vote takes place under conditions of continuing occupation.

Abbas and Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon announce a cessation of violence at a summit in Egypt; implementation and underlying issues remain contested.

A broad coalition of Palestinian civil society organizations issues a call for boycott, divestment and sanctions until Israel complies with international law and Palestinian rights.

A broad coalition of Palestinian civil society organisations called for boycott, divestment and sanctions until Israel complied with international law and Palestinian rights.

Israel completes removal of permanent ground troops and settlements from inside Gaza; control of airspace, maritime access and most crossings remains central to debates over the territory’s legal...

Israeli and Palestinian representatives reach an agreement concerning Gaza crossings and movement after disengagement; implementation remains uneven.

Palestinians vote in legislative elections; Hamas’s Change and Reform list wins a parliamentary majority, reshaping Palestinian politics.

A government led by Ismail Haniyeh takes office after the legislative elections amid disputes over recognition, aid and relations with Israel.

Palestinian armed groups attack an Israeli military post near Gaza, killing soldiers and capturing Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; Israel launches major operations afterward.