Blockade of the Gaza Strip

The Restrictive Reality of Gaza’s Blockade

Imagine a prison without walls, where every move is monitored and controlled. That’s what life has become for Gazans under the Israeli blockade since 2007. How can this be justified when it clearly violates human rights?

The Origins of Restriction

In the early 1990s, Israel began imposing restrictions on Gaza, but after Hamas took over in 2007, these measures intensified into a complete blockade. Is this not a form of collective punishment? The blockade aims to prevent smuggling, yet it has led to severe economic hardship and limited freedom of movement for Gazans.

The Impact on Movement

Exit and entry into Gaza are severely restricted, with only three crossings allowing movement. Imports and exports are heavily controlled, making the territory resemble an ‘open-air prison.’ How can this be considered a humane approach to governance?

The Border Crossings

Four border crossings were established: Kerem Shalom, Karni, Erez, and Sufa. In 2005, Israel withdrew settlers but maintained control along the border. After Hamas’s takeover, Israel tightened restrictions on trade, allowing only ‘essential’ goods to enter Gaza.

The Economic Consequences

The blockade has led to widespread poverty and food shortages in Gaza. The manufacturing sector has shrunk by 60%, exports have virtually disappeared since the 2007 blockade, and GDP losses have exceeded 50% since then. Is this not a direct violation of human rights?

The Humanitarian Crisis

Gaza’s population is experiencing food insecurity at an emergency level due to airstrikes destroying food infrastructure and widespread scarcity of essential supplies. Over half a million Gazans are facing starvation, with 40% living in poverty. How can this be justified?

The International Response

Human rights organizations have characterized the situation as an ‘open-air prison.’ Former British Prime Minister David Cameron and US Senator Bernie Sanders have endorsed this characterization. Amnesty International reported that cement, glass, steel, and other building materials were blocked by Israel, undermining reconstruction efforts.

The Blockade’s Legal Implications

Israel justifies the blockade as a security measure, but experts argue it has limited effectiveness against extremist attacks. The World Bank estimated that the blockade caused GDP losses of over 50% since 2007 and entailed large welfare losses. Is this not an act of war violating international law?

The Blockade’s Evolution

In June 2010, Israel agreed to lift its blockade under a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. However, the situation did not improve significantly. In October 2023, Israel imposed a ‘total blockade’ of Gaza, blocking food for approximately 1.1 million Palestinians.

The UN’s Role

UNRWA director Philippe Lazzarini stated that Israel had blocked food for about 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza. The IPC Global Famine Review Committee reported no evidence of famine but warned of a high risk due to ongoing restrictions and limited humanitarian aid.

The Future Outlook

While international organizations continue to call for the lifting of the blockade, the situation remains dire. The Israeli government maintains that the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Gaza, while human rights groups argue it constitutes collective punishment and violates international law.

The blockade on Gaza is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. It’s time for the international community to take decisive action and ensure that basic human rights are upheld in this conflict-ridden region.