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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Publications
2012
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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Unraveling the closure of Gaza: What has and hasn’t changed since the Cabinet decision and what are the implications?
July 2010. On June 20, 2010 Israel’s Security Cabinet issued a plan to facilitate access for civilian goods entering Gaza and expand economic activity. In this position paper, Gisha assesses the cabinet’s plan and the situation on the ground in Gaza in the weeks following the cabinet decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Restrictions on passage of goods into and out of Gaza
June 2010. Gisha answers commonly asked questions regarding the closure of Gaza including about which kinds of goods can enter, if there is a humanitarian crisis, what constitutes Israel’s responsibility to allow for passage of goods, and if the restrictions are meant to address concrete security threats.
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Partial List of Items Prohibited/Permitted into the Gaza Strip
June 2010. The list is based on information from Palestinian traders and businesspersons, international organizations, and the Palestinian Coordination Committee, all of whom “deduce” what is permitted and what is banned based on their experience, prior to the policy change of June 2010.
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FAQs: The transit of merchants, goods, and raw materials between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank
June 2010. Gisha explains why even after the “disengagement” Israel is still responsible for the transfer of goods into and out of Gaza, describes the ban on the entry of raw materials into the Gaza Strip and explains that the prevention of the free passage of goods is not a response to concrete security threats.
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