More than 3,000 people attended the cornerstone laying ceremony for a new town for those expelled from Gush Katif. Called Givat Hazan, it lies in the East Lachish region in the southwest of the country.

Present at the ceremony was the Minister of Housing, public officials and local residents. Besides Givat Hazan, former residents of Gush Katif are also establishing another new town in the area called Mirsham.