DAMASCUS, August 20 (RIA Novosti, Nadim Ziaui) - On Saturday Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has signed a decree on the situation in Palestinian territories in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, which are witnessing the withdrawal of Israeli troops and settlements.

The decree gives the Palestinian government total control over all lands and assets left behind by Israeli troops. The government will manage all property in these territories before a relevant decision is made.

Israel started evacuating 21 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and four settlements on the West Bank on August 15. The settlements will pass under the Palestinian authority within four weeks.

The Palestinian government promised earlier to make every effort to prevent clashes during the pullout.

Palestinians hope that the withdrawal of Israeli troops and settlements will mark the first step toward the implementation of the Middle East road map and formation of an independent Palestinian state.