As noted previously, Gisha is one of the NGOs that we know about from our annual Israel Symposium. According to its website, Gisha is “an Israeli not-for-profit organization, founded in 2005, whose goal is to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents. Gisha promotes rights guaranteed by international and Israeli law.”
This is about Gisha’s new position paper entitled, “Turning a new page – The end of the civilian closure and the possibilities it offers.” It notes that the travel restrictions from Gaza to the West Bank and Israel have reduced civilian crossings to under one percent of their number in September 2000. The closure has also crushed Gaza’s economy: “Prior to 2007, 85% of Gaza’s outgoing goods were marketed in Israel and the West Bank.” These exports have been reduced to almost nothing. Gisha urges that the ban on routine civilian travel and exports to Israel and the West Bank be lifted, while being subjected to security inspections. The paper also comments on the issue of importing construction materials, now more urgently needed than before, to house tens of thousands of Gazans made homeless by the recent wars. What follows is the Gisha paper’s introduction and a link to a pdf of the entire report online:
Israel has a right and indeed an obligation to protect its citizens from security threats originating in Gaza and, for this purpose, may impose restrictions on access through the border crossings under its control. However, not every restriction is permitted. The Gaza closure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants and violates the rights and needs of 1.76 million Palestinian residents of the Strip, most of whom are children. The civilian closure is incompatible with Israel’s obligations under international law and does not contribute to the security of its citizens. It is time for it to end.
Lifting the closure would make normal life possible: students from Gaza would be able to study in universities in the West Bank; construction workers would be able to make a living and rehabilitate Gaza; individuals would be able to reunite with relatives they have not seen for years, businessmen and women would be able to develop their businesses and access professional opportunities; farmers would be able to sell their produce and provide for their families. Improving conditions for the civilian population in Gaza does not necessitate compromising Israel’s security needs. On the contrary, in the long run, it is the only way to achieve sustainable security in the region.
Israel must abandon the “separation policy”, which splits Gaza and the West Bank and denies travel between the two parts of the Palestinian territory. Subject to suitable security arrangements, it must once again permit the transit of Gaza-made and grown goods to their markets in Israel and in the West Bank, and must allow Gaza residents, in the public and private sectors alike, to purchase construction materials.
Over the last few weeks, both foreign and senior Israeli officials, including Israel’s Chief of Staff Benny Gantz (Hebrew), have agreed that Israel has an obligation to allow rehabilitation in Gaza. This will require allowing transit of more than just humanitarian aid. Gaza’s economy will also need to be rehabilitated and its residents must be permitted to exercise their rights to earn a living and pursue their professional, educational, cultural and familial aspirations. Israel’s control over travel to and from Gaza creates dependence and translates into a distinct responsibility – to allow civilian movement to and from Gaza, thereby contributing to prosperity and security on both sides of the border.
To read the full position paper click here.
Leave A Comment