The Struggles of Gaza's Palestinians: Restrictions and Occupation
The Palestinian people in Gaza are living under harsh restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation, with every aspect of their lives being controlled or restricted. From the most basic necessities to their economic survival, the situation in Gaza is dire and often violent.
Israeli Occupation and Restrictions on Daily Life
The Palestinian inhabitants of Gaza must comply with the will of their overseers. Every month, there are reports of settlers violently targeting Palestinians, including the shooting and burning of olive groves, and the establishment of new settlements. This serves as a constant reminder of the ongoing occupation.
Notably, in 2005, Israel withdrew from Gaza, leading to a period of no restrictions. However, in 2006, Hamas took control and initiated attacks on Israel, leading to a series of embargoes placed on the Gaza Strip. These embargoes forced most cargo to enter through Israel, but cargo containing weapons is often searched.
While civilian goods are not strictly restricted, dual-use items are sometimes held back. Exit from Gaza is governed by Hamas approval and also requires Israeli or Egyptian approval. The lifting of these restrictions would require an end to attacks on Israel, a condition that Hamas has not met.
Basic Needs and Economic Struggles
The civilian population of Gaza faces severe limitations on their access to essential resources. Restrictions on food, potable water, electricity, medical supplies, and medicines are common. The limited access to medicine further exacerbates health issues within the region. Additionally, fishing boats are only allowed to go up to 3 miles or approximately 4.8 kilometers from the shore, denying a valuable source of protein and income to the local fishermen.
Gaza's population of around 1.8 million people is confined to a 360 km2 area, leading to a very dense population. Historically, a coastline could have provided economic opportunities such as fishing and maritime trade, bypassing Israeli control of land border crossings. However, any attempt to fish beyond the restrictive zone is met with force, leading to a complete denial of basic survival needs.
Israel's Role and Its Impact
Israel is seen as the occupying force of the Gaza Strip, despite its claims of independence post-2006. This status gives armed Palestinian groups the right to resist the occupation through force. The areas of the sea that should have been accessible to the Palestinians are not, further limiting their economic and nutritional resources.
The lack of access to the sea has resulted in a deprivation of fish protein, essential for a malnourished population. Gazan fishermen, especially, suffer as their trade is hindered. Moreover, the use of Gaza as proof of Israel's military strength and the gathering of civilians to watch and cheer during bombings add to the tragic and inhumane conditions faced by the Palestinian population.
Following recent discussions, there has been an increased focus on the ability to fish in the territorial waters. As Gaza's coastline could be a potential outlet for the population, allowing for fishing and maritime trade, the current restrictions are seen as a violation of basic human rights and economic necessities.