
The occupation looks different in Areas A, B, and C. This is what it looks like in Area G, Gaza

Israel’s implementation of the Disengagement Plan in 2005, during which it removed its permanent military presence and settlements from the Gaza Strip, deluded many into thinking that this also marked the end of Israel’s relationship with and responsibility for Gaza. Despite the disengagement, Israel has held on to central elements of control over Gaza and its residents. The decisions Israel makes have a dramatic impact on nearly every detail of their lives, from matters of life-and-death to the very mundane. Israel’s decisions impact the ability to maintain family life, conduct trade, pursue professional and educational opportunities, access healthcare, maintain civilian infrastructure, not to mention access cultural and leisure activities.
Israel has been enforcing a regime of restrictions and prohibitions against Gaza’s residents for some three decades. In 2007, after Hamas seized control of the Strip, the restrictions were tightened to the point of closure. Israel prohibits the movement of Gaza residents into and through Israeli territory (as well as between Jordan and the West Bank), other than in “exceptional humanitarian circumstances.” Most residents, at any given time, do not meet the criteria for requesting a permit to travel. Israel controls what goods can exit the territory and to where, and also requires that any goods entering Gaza receive its approval. It often bans the entry of certain goods, out of a list of thousands of items necessary for a functioning economy and for a normal, dignified life.
Israel has understandable security needs stemming from its ongoing conflict with Hamas and other armed groups, including the need to conduct checks of people wishing to enter its territory. However, many of Israel’s restrictive measures against Gaza residents have nothing to do with concrete security needs. The control Israel wields is so pervasive and encompassing that it is difficult to reconcile it with military needs alone. Regardless of the justifications presented, Israel’s ongoing and significant control over many aspects of the lives of Gaza residents comes with a legal responsibility to respect and protect the rights of the people affected by that control. In many cases, it is blatantly clear that no effort is made to strike a reasonable balance between legitimate security concerns and the rights of residents of Gaza, including recognition of Israel’s responsibility to maintain normal life in the Strip.
To mark 50 years of occupation and 10 years of closure, we present an extensive but by no means exhaustive list of aspects of the lives of residents of Gaza still controlled by Israel.
Follow the arrows right to view 50 shades of Israel’s control over the Gaza Strip.