The ceasefire – An opportunity to sever the link between hostilities and civilian movement and access
November 2012. In this position paper we detail the restrictions on movement currently imposed by the Israeli authorities on residents of Gaza and what it would take to remove them and respect Gaza residents’ right to freedom of movement. Read More »

“Red Lines” presentation: a position paper
October 17, 2012. Following a three-and-a-half-year legal battle, the Israeli Defense Ministry revealed the presentation “Food Consumption in the Gaza Strip – Red Lines”. The document contains information about the policy of restricting the entrance of food into the Gaza Strip, which was in effect between 2007 and 2010. Read More »

Student travel between Gaza and the West Bank 101
September 2012. Gisha believes that Palestinian students have a right to study in the Palestinian universities established for their benefit, in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel should lift the 12-year old ban on student travel from Gaza and instead adopt a policy that reflects its obligations and long-term interests, as well as its security concerns. Read More »

What is the “separation policy”? An info sheet
June 2012. When asked why restrictions on movement between Gaza and the West Bank remain in effect, security officials explain that they form part of the “policy of separation”. What is this policy and what is its purpose? Read More »

Graphing 5 years of closure
June 2012. The following information sheet graphs the changes that have occurred over the past five years, providing context for those changes based on data about access before the closure and showing their impact on the economy. Read More »

The Palestinian economy in the Gaza Strip – a path to long-term development
May 2012: “Realizing Potential”, a report by Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, examines the barriers to development faced by Gaza’s health care system and economy. We share here the second chapter of the report, which was written by Gisha. The chapter provides a historical overview of movement restrictions placed on Gaza and offers insight into the potential development of its economy should those restrictions be removed. Read More »

Scale of Control: Israel’s Continued Responsibility in the Gaza Strip
November 2011. This position paper illustrates how despite recent developments, Israel continues to control Gaza’s airspace and territorial waters, the Palestinian population registry and passage of goods and people to and from Gaza. Read More »

A Guide to the Gaza Closure: In Israel’s Own Words
September 2011. Since 2007, Gisha, together with other human rights organizations, has worked to obtain information relating to the closure Israel has imposed on the Gaza Strip. Read More »

International Women’s Day 2011: Two stories from Gaza
March 2011. In honor of International Women’s Day, we share two stories that illustrate the challenges life in Gaza poses for women and also successful attempts to overcome travel restrictions in order to work towards promoting the status of Gaza’s women. Read More »

The Turkel Commission and the Maritime Closure of Gaza
January 2011. The Turkel Commission was asked to examine the May 31, 2010 maritime flotilla incident and to determine whether the maritime closure of the Gaza Strip was in accordance with international law. In this position paper Gisha outlines its position that the overall closure imposed on the Gaza Strip, including the maritime closure, is illegal. Read More »

Reconstructing the Closure: Will recent changes to the closure policy be enough to build in Gaza?
December 2010. Following the flotilla incident, on June 20, 2010, the government of Israel announced its intention to allow most goods into Gaza, including building materials for specific, international projects. This position paper examines the implementation of those declarations, highlighting the impact of the restrictions which remain in place. Read More »