The fighting in the Gaza Strip has caused devastation and massive loss of life, and has left many Gazans with extremely limited access to basic utilities such as water and electricity. The war has also exacerbated the already difficult and complex situation of Israelis who live in Gaza or stay there with their families for extended periods.
In view of the situation,
HaMoked and Gisha have written to the Minister of Interior asking that all necessary steps be taken to allow Israelis in Gaza to exercise their vested right to enter Israel together with their minor children – also when the children are not registered in the Israeli population registry.
In their letter, the organizations asserted that the Government of Israel has a special obligation toward this group of Israelis, given that main reason they are now present in the Gaza Strip is their inability to fulfill their right to family life on Israeli soil, due to the provisions of the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law (Temporary Order) 5763-2003, which prohibits granting residents of Gaza (and also the West Bank) permanent status in Israel. The only option these Israelis have for living with their families is in Gaza. Furthermore, the substantial threat to life and disrupted fabric of life now prevailing in Gaza are a direct result of Israel's combat actions there.
The organizations also requested that all necessary steps be taken to guarantee that the minor children of Israelis – both citizens and permanent residents – be allowed to leave Gaza and enter Israel with their parents, without placing obstacles in their way.
The organizations stressed in addition, that the heavy bombings in Gaza had led to the loss of identification papers, medical documents, etc.; therefore, the officials charged with handling the requests of Israelis who live in Gaza, must be instructed to act with flexibility and good faith, and not insist on impracticable procedural requirements.
