Minister Daniel Hershkowitz told a government hearing on Sunday that Jews who were forcibly expelled from their homes in the Gush Katif region of Gaza four years ago continue to suffer in a myriad of ways.
"This is a mark of disgrace on the State of Israel," Hershkowitz declared. "I see finding a solution to this tragedy as a national mission." Hershkowitz is tasked with administering government affairs related to the care of those who lived in Gush Katif and the four communities in northern Samaria who were also expelled in the so-called Disengagement of 2005.
According to the most recent estimates, the cost to the government of providing temporary and permanent housing to the expellees has totalled at least $3 million thus far.