President George W. Bush has welcomed Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and hailed it as a historic step that will help the effort toward peace in the Middle East.
"In the heart of the Middle East, a hopeful story is unfolding," Bush said, adding, "peace is within reach in the Holy Land."
Bush, addressing military veterans in Salt Lake City, spoke soon after Israel announced it had finished evacuating all Jewish settlements in Gaza.
Israel says the withdrawal will end its occupation of Gaza, which is home to 1.4 million Palestinians, and like the West Bank has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Middle East war. Washington hopes the withdrawal will help boost peacemaking efforts.
"The Israeli disengagement is a historic step that reflects the bold leadership of Prime Minister Sharon," Bush said.