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Gaza's Suffocating Siege - by Stephen Lendman
Gaza remains repressively occupied.
In early November, the Gisha Legal Center for Freedom of Movement published a report titled, "Scale of Control: Israel's Continued Responsibility in the Gaza Strip."
It explained little changed after its alleged 2005 "disengagement."
A 2007 Gisha report titled, "Disengaged Occupiers: The Legal Status of Gaza" argued that as an occupying power, Israel's obligations continue.
Its new publication updates it. Despite Israel claiming no further responsibility, it exercises full control of Gaza's airspace, waters, borders, territory, infrastructure, power, and more. It collects customs and value added taxes for imported goods, conducts regular incursions, excludes most exports, and maintains a physical presence.
As a result, "it is impossible to say that (its) occupation of Gaza has ended and therefore, the international law of occupation continues to apply to Israel in the spheres in which it continues to exercise control over the lives of Palestinian residents."
Israel's thus obligated to fulfill its mandated responsibilities, including providing protection for people it controls.
No matter. Its officials spurn their legal obligations. Siege is illegally maintained. Passage of goods, services and people is severely restricted. Israel may control movement only for legitimate security reasons. Even then, Gazan needs can't be ignored.
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