Gisha Legal Center for Freedom of Movement

Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 1

Since June 14, 2007, 1. 5 million people are trapped in Gaza. Their ability to lead healthy, dignified lives is jeopardized by the continued closure of Gaza’s crossings for people and goods. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 2

Crossings Activity Status Crossing Status Erez Closed for most of the Gaza Strip's 1. 5 million residents. Families divided between Gaza and West Bank, patients denied medical care. Karni Closed for commercial passage. No commercial imports. No export. Rafah Closed for travel abroad. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Lack of Movement 1. 5 million people cut off from the outside world. Page 3

The number of trucks entering Gaza has declined from a daily average of 264 trucks to a daily average of 105. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 4

No Commercial Imports Almost No Export Gaza’s Economy is Paralyzed. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 5

70, 000 workers have lost their jobs since June. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 6

N. B. , age 32, supports a family of six: “The factory where I worked closed in July. My father-in-law pays my rent, and friends brought shoes for my children. Last week, I couldn’t buy vegetables. . . I have to rely on charity to support my family. ” Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 7

Severe Economic Crisis in Gaza Private Sector • 95% of construction projects halted. • 85% of factories shut down or operating at less than 20% capacity. • Agricultural export losses estimated at $16 million since June. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 8

Industry Paralyzed; Livelihood Lost Until the closure of Karni, the ‘Alyazji’ soft drink factory employed 200 workers. On June 24, 2007, after 45 years of operation, the factory closed for lack of CO 2 and other raw materials. Two hundred workers – supporting 1, 400 dependents – have lost their jobs. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 9

No freedom of movement for 1. 5 million people • Hundreds of medical patients unable to reach hospitals in Egypt. • Between June 14 and July 4, 16 patients were denied entrance to Israel for medical treatment, after more restrictive criteria for passage were set. Three died, and four patients lost limbs. • Out of more than 5, 000 people asking to leave Gaza to access jobs and studies abroad this summer – only 500 have been allowed out. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 10

D. A. , age 22, graduate student: “I was supposed to start a Master’s Degree in English Instruction in the United States. Due to the closures, I could not reach my studies, and my scholarship was canceled”. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 11

The right of Gaza residents to lead dignified, productive lives is in Israel's hands. Karni Crossing Must be Opened Immediately. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 12

“Everyone shall be free to leave any country, including his own. ” (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian, and EU leaders must coordinate to re-open Rafah Crossing. Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 13