Neve dekalim, Gaza Strip, Sept 12 (SPA) -- Thousands of triumphant Palestinians poured into abandoned Jewish settlements early Monday, as the last Israeli soldier left the Gaza Strip, completing Israel's pullout after 38 years of occupation. "This is a day of happiness and joy that the Palestinian people have not witnessed for a century," President Mahmoud Abbas told reporters in Gaza City. Palestinian security men waving victory signs took over while tanks and armoured vehicles trundled out under cover of darkness, for the first time giving up settlements on land that Palestinians want for a state. "The mission has been completed," said Brigadier Aviv Kochavi after the gates closed at the main crossing point. "Israel's presence of 38 years has come to an end," he was quoted as saying by Reuters. --SPA 1116 Local Time 0816 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/289025