In the framework of the exchange deal for the release of the soldier Gilad Shalit, dozens of
West Bank and
East Jerusalem residents have been released from prisons inside Israel and forcibly removed to the Gaza Strip. On October 31, 2011, HaMoked appealed to the military to allow the former prisoners' families to enter Gaza and meet their loved ones.
HaMoked noted that by forcibly removing these people to Gaza, they have been denied the ability to return to their homes and families, instead they find themselves in an unfamiliar place, without anyone or anything waiting for them – no work, home or family. It is only natural that after their lengthy incarceration, they and their relatives wish to meet each other, support one another and feel the warmth of someone dear.
Irrespective of whether the action legal, it is beyond dispute that a person's forced removal from his area of residence, severely impinges on his rights established in international humanitarian and human rights law. HaMoked argues that the deportation of persons to Gaza, does not does not deprive them or their families of the right to family life, and requires, at the minimum, that they be allowed to meet their loved ones in Gaza until they can return to their homes. This takes on greater significance given the fact that they have just been released from prison.
HaMoked recalls that these people had the right to meet their families also while in prison, and that daily Israelis are allowed visits to Gaza in recognition of the right to family life. Upon the forced removal former prisoners to Gaza, the state authorities must respect their rights and those of their relatives, and allow them to meet each other in the Gaza Strip. 
