In August 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its civilian population and military bases from the Gaza strip, removing 21 communities from the Jewish enclave of Gush Katif, removing some 7000 citizens amid protests.
Israel and Its Neighborhood
Israel, in the southwestern corner of Asia and the southeast shore of the Mediterranean sea, has a population of over 9 million and a total area of just over 20,000 square kilometers (slightly more than 8000 square miles), ranks 150th among nations in geographical size and 99th in population size. Its population is 80% Jewish and 20% Muslim.