Denial of freedom of movement

Freedom of movement is a fundamental right, which covers an individual’s right to leave their home and return as they wish. For years, Israeli policy restricted the entry and exit of Gaza residents. This policy has become even more draconian since the beginning of the war, especially after Israel took control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024. Israel now controls all of Gaza’s border crossings and rejects the vast majority of requests to leave the Strip for basic needs such as medical treatment, family reunification, or education.

Most applicants seeking exit permits, including Palestinian families from the West Bank, Palestinians with foreign or Israeli citizenship, and students, face refusals or prolonged bureaucratic delays that effectively deny them exit. Gisha’s data indicates that the initial refusal is often unfounded, and travel is approved once legal action is taken, indicating that there was no reason to withhold it in the first place.

Currently, Israeli authorities grant permission to leave Gaza in rare cases, for patients and companions, individuals with foreign citizenship or residency status, and those with visas and entry permits to third countries. Nonetheless, it is estimated that thousands who do fit the narrow categories approved for travel are still trapped inside the Strip.

The 20-Point Plan underpinning the ceasefire agreement states that no one will be forced to leave Gaza and anyone wishing to leave and return will be free to do so. The hope is that, in the future, Gazans will, in fact, be able to travel freely, without restrictions and without the threat of expulsion or exile hanging over them.