Blockade of the Gaza Strip

Quick Facts: Who was Blockade of the Gaza Strip?

Subject:

Blockade of the Gaza Strip

Known for:

A prolonged restriction on movement and trade imposed by Israel and Egypt on the Gaza Strip.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The restrictions on movement and goods in the Gaza Strip imposed by Israel date to the early 1990s, during its military occupation of the Gaza Strip (1967–2005). After Hamas took over in 2007, Israel significantly intensified existing movement restrictions and imposed a blockade on the movement of goods and people in and out of the Gaza Strip. In the same year, Egypt closed the Rafah border crossing. Israel's stated aims were to hold Hamas accountable for rocket attacks on Israeli territory; to constrain Hamas's ability to rule in Gaza; and to put pressure on it to release Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier abducted in June 2006. While the blockade's legality has not been adjudicated in court, human rights groups believe it would be deemed illegal and that it is a form of collective punishment, as it restricts the flow of essential goods, contributes to economic hardship, and limits Gazans' freedom of movement.

Career & Major Achievements

The land, sea, and air blockade isolated Gaza from the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory and the world. The blockade and its effects have led to the territory being called an "open-air prison". Exit and entry into Gaza by sea or air is prohibited. There are only three crossings in and out of Gaza, two of them controlled by Israel and one by Egypt. Israel heavily regulates Palestinians' movement through the Erez Crossing, with applications considered only for laborers and for limited medical and humanitarian reasons.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Prior to the start of the Gaza War, in 2023, crossings at Erez, approximated 40,000 per month. Israel's military cooperation with Egypt and its control of the population registry (through which it controls who can obtain the necessary travel documents) gives it influence over movement through Rafah. Imports are heavily restricted, with "dual use" items permitted only as part of donor projects. This includes construction material and computer equipment. Exports are also heavily restricted, with the main impediment to economic development in Gaza being Israel's ban on virtually all exports from the Strip.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1967: 1967 Milestone — The restrictions on movement and goods in the Gaza Strip imposed by Israel date to the early 1990s, during its military occupation of the Gaza Strip (1967–2005).
2. 2006: 2006 Milestone — Israel's stated aims were to hold Hamas accountable for rocket attacks on Israeli territory; to constrain Hamas's ability to rule in Gaza; and to put pressure on it to release Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier abducted in June 2006.
3. 2007: 2007 Milestone — After Hamas took over in 2007, Israel significantly intensified existing movement restrictions and imposed a blockade on the movement of goods and people in and out of the Gaza Strip.
4. 2023: 2023 Milestone — Prior to the start of the Gaza War, in 2023, crossings at Erez, approximated 40,000 per month.

Notable Quotes by Blockade of the Gaza Strip

“Without this, Gaza will remain a huge prison.” (2005)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Blockade of the Gaza Strip

True or False: “The initial Israeli restrictions on movement and goods to the Gaza Strip began immediately after the 1967 occupation.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While restrictions date back to the early 1990s (specifically 1991), the blockade was significantly intensified following Hamas taking control in 2007.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Blockade of the Gaza Strip