The Gaza issue and why people can’t leave war-torn strip

Dr Ashraf Chohan

The Gaza issue is a multifaceted and deeply rooted conflict involving historical, political, social, and humanitarian dimensions. Here is a summary of the key aspects:

1-Geographical and Political Context:

Gaza is a small, densely populated strip of land located along the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt.
It is part of the Palestinian territories, with its governance primarily under the control of Hamas since 2007.

2-Historical Background:

The conflict dates back to the early 20th century, with tensions between Jewish and Arab populations in the region.
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War led to the displacement of many Palestinians, with Gaza becoming a refuge for many.
Subsequent wars, including the Six-Day War in 1967, resulted in Israeli control over Gaza until the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which aimed for a two-state solution.

3-Current Governance and Control:

In 2005, Israel unilaterally disengaged from Gaza, removing its settlements and military presence.
In 2006, Hamas won parliamentary elections, leading to a split with the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority and subsequent control over Gaza.
Hamas’ control has led to frequent conflicts with Israel, resulting in periodic escalations of violence.

4-Blockades and Humanitarian Crisis:

Israel and Egypt have imposed blockades on Gaza, citing security concerns due to Hamas’ militant activities.
The blockades have led to severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods, contributing to a humanitarian crisis with widespread poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services like healthcare, clean water, and electricity.

5-Periodic Conflicts:

Gaza has experienced several major conflicts, including operations by the Israeli military in response to rocket fire and other attacks from militant groups in Gaza.
These conflicts have resulted in significant casualties and destruction, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

6-International Involvement and Aid:

Numerous international organizations and countries have attempted to mediate the conflict and provide humanitarian aid.
Despite various peace initiatives and efforts, a lasting resolution has remained elusive.

7-Human Rights and Living Conditions:

The living conditions in Gaza are dire, with a large portion of the population relying on international aid.
The United Nations and various human rights organizations have raised concerns about the impact of the blockade and conflict on the civilian population.

8-Political and Social Dynamics:

The internal Palestinian political divide between Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank complicates efforts for a unified approach to peace negotiations.
The socio-political landscape in Gaza is shaped by a mixture of resistance against Israeli occupation and internal governance challenges.

The Gaza issue remains one of the most complex and enduring conflicts in the world, with deep-seated historical grievances, ongoing political struggles, and significant humanitarian concerns.

People in Gaza face numerous obstacles that prevent them from leaving Gaza including:

Blockades and Border Restrictions: Gaza is subject to a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt, severely restricting movement in and out of the territory. This includes restrictions on land crossings, air travel, and maritime routes.
Economic Hardship: The economic situation in Gaza is dire, with high unemployment rates and widespread poverty. Many people cannot afford the costs associated with relocating, even if they had the opportunity.
Limited Visas and Asylum Options: Even if people manage to reach border crossings, obtaining visas or asylum in other countries is a significant challenge. Many countries have stringent immigration policies and are reluctant to accept large numbers of refugees.
Political and Social Ties: Many Gazans have strong family and community ties that make leaving difficult. The cultural and social fabric of their lives is deeply rooted in Gaza.
Security Concerns: The region is frequently subject to conflict, making travel dangerous. The risk of being caught in violence while attempting to leave is a considerable deterrent.
Psychological and Emotional Factors: Despite the hardships, many people prefer to stay in their homeland, where they have a sense of identity and belonging. Leaving one’s home can be an emotionally challenging decision.

These factors create a complex situation where the majority of Gazans are effectively trapped within the territory.