Knowra Blockade of the Gaza Strip Blockade of the Gaza Strip Restrictions imposed by Israel and Egypt on movement into and out of the Gaza Strip, intensified after Hamas took control in 2007. The measures limit travel and the flow of goods, with scope and enforcement varying by border and period.
Erez Crossing : A pedestrian crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, used for permitted travel and other controlled movement. Israel controls this principal route for people leaving Gaza, subject to permits and security restrictions.
Hamas takeover of Gaza : Hamas's 2007 seizure of control of Gaza from the Palestinian Authority. The takeover preceded Israel's intensified restrictions and Egypt's tighter controls at Rafah.
Gaza Strip : A narrow coastal territory on the eastern Mediterranean, bordered by Israel, Egypt, and the sea. The blockade's restrictions apply to movement into and out of this territory.
Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories : Israel's control of Palestinian territories captured in 1967, a status addressed in international law and diplomacy. Whether Gaza remains occupied after Israel's 2005 withdrawal is central to legal debate about the blockade.
Kerem Shalom Crossing : A goods crossing near the Gaza Strip's borders with Israel and Egypt. It is the main route for many goods entering Gaza from Israel.
Hamas : A Palestinian Islamist political and armed movement that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. Israel cites Hamas's rule and armed activity among the reasons for restrictions.
Gaza humanitarian crisis : A prolonged emergency involving threats to health, safety, food security, and basic services among Gaza's population. Restricted access interacts with conflict and damaged infrastructure to deepen humanitarian needs.
Naval blockade : A military measure that restricts maritime access to an area during armed conflict. The maritime component is assessed under rules governing naval blockades, distinct from land-crossing controls.
Rafah Border Crossing : A crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, whose operation is controlled by Egypt and affected by political and security conditions. Its restricted operation limits Gaza's access to Egypt and travel beyond.
Israeli disengagement from Gaza : Israel's 2005 withdrawal of settlements and permanent ground forces from inside the Gaza Strip. It changed Israel's physical presence while leaving control over several external access points and other domains contested.
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