Below is how the Gazans lived before Oct 7. Is it surprising they were not happy?
AI Overview
Even before the October 7, 2023 attacks and the current war, Israel's restrictions on the Gaza Strip had significantly impacted the lives of its residents
Here's a summary of the situation before the intensified blockade:
- Movement of people:
- Travel in and out of Gaza was severely limited and controlled by Israel, with permits often denied even for medical emergencies or family reunification.
- Exit and entry by sea or air were prohibited.
- Only a limited number of Gazans could enter Israel for work or other specific reasons, a fraction of the number allowed before the Second Intifada.
- Movement of goods:
- Imports were heavily restricted, particularly "dual-use" items, including construction materials and computer equipment.
- Exports were also heavily restricted, hindering Gaza's economic development.
- The volume of goods entering Gaza was significantly lower than pre-blockade levels.
- Impact on essential services:
- Hospitals faced chronic shortages of vital medical supplies and equipment.
- Reconstruction efforts were severely hampered by restrictions on building materials.
- Educational institutions lacked essential supplies and access to technology.
- The agriculture and fishing industries suffered from restrictions on equipment and access to resources, impacting food security and livelihoods.
- Access to clean water and sanitation was inadequate, with much of the piped water deemed unfit for human consumption.
- Electricity supply was unreliable and insufficient to meet demand.
- Overall situation:
- These restrictions had a severe impact on Gaza's economy, leading to high unemployment and poverty rates, and making a large portion of the population dependent on international aid.
- Many characterized Gaza as an "open-air prison" due to the restrictions on movement and the deterioration of living conditions.
- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) concluded that the easing of restrictions in 2010 had not resulted in a significant improvement in livelihoods.
It's important to remember that these conditions were in place
before the events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent intensification of the blockade. The current situation in Gaza has further exacerbated the pre-existing humanitarian crisis.