Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 1

Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 2 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 3 Lack of MovementStatusCrossing Families divided between Gaza and West Bank, patients denied medical care. Closed for most of the Gaza Strip's 1.5 million residents. Erez No commercial imports. No export. Closed for commercial passage. Karni 1.5 million people cut off from the outside world. Closed for travel abroad. Rafah Crossings Activity Status

Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 4 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 5 No Commercial Imports Almost No Export Gaza ’ s Economy is Paralyzed.

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

Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement Page 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 “ Everyone shall be free to leave any country, including his own. ” “ 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.