A position paper by Gisha: Creeping Punishment
5 May, 2013. A position paper by Gisha looks at access restrictions imposed in recent months following rocket fire from Gaza toward Israel: what is the impact of the closures on residents of Gaza? What do Israeli farmers and security officials think about it?
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Publications
2013
2012
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.
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“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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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Palestinian labor flows in Israel: Missed opportunities and possible ways forward
May 2012. The following position paper uncovers information received in the course of Gisha’s legal activity and in partnership with Kav LaOved demonstrating the lack of coordination between various government agencies dealing with regulating Palestinian labor flows in Israel.
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2011
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Public letter from the founders of Gisha in response to attacks on human rights organizations
January 2011. An open letter written by Gisha’s founders in response to a proposal to establish a parliamentary committee of inquiry to investigate Israeli human rights organizations’ sources of funding. The letter expresses concern over the attempt to undermine the legitimacy of civil society organizations.
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2010
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.
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Facts Behind MFA Report on “Easing” of Gaza Closure
July 2010. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a report detailing steps taken to improve Gaza’s economy pursuant to a June 20, 2010 Israeli Cabinet decision to “ease” the closure. Gisha analyzes what is true and what would be more true about the MFA report.
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