Along with much of the rest of the world, ISU students are experiencing mixed feelings over the pullout of Jewish settlers from Gaza and West Bank in Israel, ordered last week by Israeli authorities.

“At first, I was against the move,” said Aaron Haywood, senior in history.

“The situation reminded me of American history with what American settlers did to the Native Americans. After thinking about it, I can see that the relations here have mellowed out, and they probably will in Israel, too.”

Haywood said he does not strongly support either side, and instead tries to take a humanitarian view of the situation. He said he now supports the pullout.

“To see so many people killed in Israel, it’s terrible,” he said. “If this action will help stop that, it’s a good step.”

In an Associated Press interview, Israeli Prime minister Ariel Sharon said it was too difficult to defend the 8,500 Israeli residents in an area with a population of 1.3 million Palestinians. Israeli settlers in Gaza and West Bank were asked to evacuate the area on Aug. 15 after 38 years of occupation.

“On one hand, I’m very glad to see these steps,” said Evan Johnson, president of Jewish student organization ISU Hillel and senior in biophysics. “I think we’d all like to see the circle of violence end. However, there are Israelis who don’t know living anywhere else.”

Despite personal differences, both groups have the same goal, said Mohamad Hafez, treasurer for the Arab Student Association and sophomore in architecture.

“Everyone wants to see peace,” he said.

Johnson likened an ideal Israeli situation to the current arrangement between Italy and the Vatican, with good relationships and interactions between Israel and its neighbors.

“A Jewish homeland does not need to be exclusive,” he said. “Both groups are fundamentally very different, but at the same time, they’re fundamentally very similar.”

Sharon told the AP that the pullout is an effort to keep Israeli control of Jerusalem and other parts of the West Bank.

“I think this is something good,” Hafez said. “They’re finally working something out.”

The displaced Israelis are expected to move to other areas of Israel. New homes were built just outside of Gaza and West Bank.