Palestinian workers crossing the border into Israel. Credit: Amiram Brutman’s FB page.

In the tumultuous landscape of the Middle East, the Gaza Strip stands out as a region of particular hardship and complexity. Among the many facets of life in Gaza, the opportunity for civilians to work in Israel has been a topic of significant discussion and controversy. This article delves into the intricate dynamics of Gazan civilians working in Israel over the past few years, exploring its impact on Gaza’s economy, and examining the broader geopolitical implications.

Gazan Workers in Israel: A Recent Overview

Palestinian construction workers in Israel. Credit: ‘Globes English’ FB page.

The history of Gazan workers working in Israel is marked by shifts in policy and circumstance. Following Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007, Israel largely closed its borders to Gazan workers. However, in recent years, Israel has issued up to 15,500 work permits to Gazans, allowing them to cross into the country for employment. This shift marks a significant development, as these workers are among the first from Gaza to work officially in Israel since 2007​​.

Economic Effects on Gaza

The return of Gazan workers to Israel has had a notable, albeit limited, impact on the Gaza economy. While individuals can earn substantially more than what’s possible in Gaza, the overall effect on Gaza’s wider economy is minimal, but beneficial for the individual who will be able to fully support his family needs. With a heavily constricted economy under the Israeli-Egyptian blockade, the permits inject about $1 million a day into Gaza’s economy – a small amount given the scale of economic challenges faced by the 2.3 million population of the region​​.

Work Permits: Leverage and Lifeline

For many Gazans, these work permits are not just about employment; they represent a lifeline for better living conditions. The permits also give Israel a form of leverage over Hamas. For instance, Israel can decide to avoid giving further permits, thus affecting the individual economy of Gaza.

Involvement on October 7t, 2023 Attack Plans

A critical aspect of the discourse around Gazan civilians working in Israel is their alleged involvement in the October 7th attack. Reports indicate that individuals with work permits in Israel gathered information about Israeli cities and settlements in the south, contributing to the planning of this brutal attack. This development highlights a darker side of the work permit system, revealing how it can potentially be exploited for purposes other than economic relief. The incident underscores the complexity of this issue, where the need for employment and economic sustenance in Gaza intersects with security concerns in Israel. It’s a stark reminder of the intricate and often tense relationship between these two, influenced by a history of conflict and the ongoing geopolitical dynamics.

Current State of Work Permits

As of now, after the October 7 attack and the ground entry into Gaza in order to capture all those who were involved in the attack, Israel decided to ban residents of Gaza from entering to work, until further notice. In general, it is safe to say that the situation with work permits for Gaza civilians remains a delicate balance. Israel often describes these permits as goodwill measures. The permits are subject to Israel’s assessment of the security situation, with increase or decrease in the number of permits often linked to the level of calm or tension in the region​​.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the granting of work permits to Gazan civilians to work in Israel is a multifaceted issue, interwoven with economic necessity, geopolitical leverage, and the pursuit to give a lifeline to Gaza’s residents. While providing a critical source of income for individual Gazan families, the permits also serve as a strategic tool in the complex relationship between Israel and the Gaza Strip. The future of these work permits and their impact on both Gaza’s economy depends on the outcomes of the current “Iron Swords” operation and the ability of the Israelis to feel safe again in their own country.

Red Cross vehicle driving Israeli hostages to the Israeli border, when being released. credit: Shay Saig’s FB page.

The situation in Gaza remains tense and complex, especially concerning the hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023. The health conditions of these hostages, including 40 infants and children, are unknown, a concern that falls under the purview of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This article delves into the intricacies of this issue from multiple perspectives: the Israeli government, the hostages’ families, and the Red Cross.

Israel and US Demands from the Red Cross

The Israeli government has been vocal in its demands for the ICRC to act. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, after meeting ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, emphasized the urgency of the situation. Cohen highlighted the expectation that the Red Cross should prioritize visiting the hostages, assess their conditions, and ensure they receive necessary medical care​​. Despite taking part in the release and transferring to Israel process of the hostages in November, the ICRC has had no contact with the others, signaling a significant gap in their operations​​.

The Current Situation: Diverse Perspectives

Israel’s Stance

The Israeli Foreign Minister has stressed that none of the hostages have met with the Red Cross and lamented the lack of proof of life​​. The demands are not just about visits but also about obtaining information on the hostages’ whereabouts and conditions, especially the wounded and infants​​. Israel’s expectation is clear: the Red Cross should exert more pressure, including leveraging diplomatic relations to ensure the safety and release of the hostages​​​​.

The Hostages’ Families

Israeli hostages’ families. Credit: ACLJ FB page.

The families of hostages, while attending a press conference at the United Nations and also in the Red-Cross committee this month, expressed their agony and the urgent need for action. They demanded justice and the immediate return of their loved ones, underscoring the emotional toll this situation has taken​​ as well as the health toll, as some of their loved ones might suffer from deepened health issues due to lack of treatments and medicines.

Red Cross’s Constraints and Efforts

The ICRC, bound by its need for neutrality and the agreement of conflict parties, faces significant challenges in accessing the hostages. ICRC President Spoljaric has acknowledged these constraints, noting the necessity of safe agreements for any intervention​​​​. The organization says, although no news were published regarding those sayings, that it has been advocating for the hostages, including direct contacts with Hamas and influential parties​​​​. However, their actions have been critiqued for not being forceful or transparent enough, especially in leveraging international relationships for diplomatic pressure​​​​​​, as well as their incapability of delivering the simple information about the hostages’ condition and if they are getting the treatment needed. Also, it is unclear up until now if the babies that are still hostages, are receiving suitable nutrition and are fed by breastfeeding or baby formula.

Conclusion: Families in the Dark Amidst Limited Red Cross Cooperation

The ongoing crisis in Gaza highlights a severe information void for the families of the hostages, who remain in desperate need of updates about their loved ones. This lack of information is compounded by the Red Cross’s limited cooperation in response to Israeli and US demands. The hostages, caught in the crossfire, continue to be victims not only of the conflict but also of the Red Cross’s constrained ability to provide necessary assistance. Their safety and well-being are increasingly jeopardized due to the absence of adequate medical care and attention, underscoring the urgent need for more effective intervention and communication.

Trucks bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Credit: ‘N12’ FB page.

Who is blocking humanitarian aid in Gaza?

In the shadow of the Iron Sword War, the Gaza Strip emerges once again as a critical focus of humanitarian concerns. This region, marred by the scars of conflict and political strife, is in dire need of international humanitarian aid. The war has exacerbated existing challenges, making the delivery and effectiveness of aid more crucial yet more complex. This article aims to unravel the intricate dynamics of humanitarian aid in Gaza during the current war, highlighting the obstacles faced in these efforts.

Background on Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

Gaza, a densely populated area facing significant economic and social hardships, has been a constant recipient of international humanitarian aid. This assistance is crucial for meeting the basic needs of its populace, grappling with the consequences of ongoing conflict.

Humanitarian Aid from Israel to Gaza

Humanitarian Aid entering from Israel to Gaza. Credit: ‘YNET’ FB page.

Israel, despite its contentious relationship with Gaza, has been a key provider of humanitarian aid. This aid includes essential commodities like food, water, and medical supplies, vital for the sustenance of the Gazan population. Such efforts occur amidst the current military standoffs, highlighting the complex interplay between humanitarian actions and security concerns. Over the last weeks of the current war, Israel has transferred 76,550 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Reality of Aid Delivery: Hamas’s Interference

The delivery and distribution of aid in Gaza are marred by significant challenges. A pivotal issue is the interference by Hamas, the de facto governing entity in the region. Reports indicate that Hamas has been blocking the entry of aid, particularly in the northern parts of Gaza. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has reported incidents where Hamas checkpoints have halted trucks delivering humanitarian aid, and attacking civilians who came to seek aid, indicating a prioritization of military and terror objectives over the welfare of Gazan residents.

Case Studies of Aid Misappropriation

The hardship of aid distribution in Gaza is further exemplified by instances of misappropriation by individuals linked to Hamas. For example, Muhammad Murtaja, coordinator of the Gaza branch of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was arrested on charges of diverting aid to Hamas’s military wing. Investigations revealed that Murtaja, under the guise of humanitarian work, had been actively involved in Hamas’s military activities, including tunnel digging and weapons manufacturing. This case underscores a distressing trend where humanitarian positions are exploited to divert aid from civilians to terrorist activities.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Challenge

The situation in Gaza presents an absurd situation. On the one hand, there is an undeniable need for humanitarian aid to support a population in distress. On the other hand, the control exerted by Hamas over aid distribution raises serious concerns about the diversion of resources away from those in need, creating a false image as if Israel is the one who blocks the aid, whereas Hamas is the main entity responsible for this blockade.

The continual efforts of COGAT and other organizations to deliver aid, despite these challenges, highlight a commitment to humanitarian principles. However, the repeated interference by Hamas not only undermines these efforts but also jeopardizes the welfare of the Gazan population. As international attention remains fixed on Gaza, it becomes increasingly crucial to find ways to ensure that aid reaches its intended recipients without being co-opted by those with ulterior motives.