New position paper by Gisha: Creeping Punishment

Since February 26, 2013, the Defense Ministry has imposed restrictions on civilian movement in response to rocket fire from Gaza toward Israel. Kerem Shalom crossing was closed for transfer of commercial goods and travel by individuals through the Erez crossing was further restricted on the following dates:
• February 27 to March 3
• March 21 to March 27
• April 8 to April 11
• April 28 to April 30
If closing the crossings is in fact the new strategy for responding to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, even if it is applied inconsistently, a few questions ought to be raised about the policy, including how it was decided upon and how it affects residents of the Gaza Strip and citizens of Israel.