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The term "world's largest open-air prison" is often used colloquially to describe the Gaza Strip due to the strict movement restrictions placed on its nearly 2 million residents. These restrictions have been primarily imposed by Israel, but Egypt also controls one of Gaza's borders and has at times restricted movement. Here's a brief overview:

BLOCKADE AND RESTRICTIONS
In 2007, after Hamas (considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, the EU, and other entities) took control of the Gaza Strip following a conflict with Fatah, Israel tightened its blockade on Gaza. The blockade restricts the movement of goods and people into and out of the territory.

Israel argues that these measures are necessary to prevent weapons and materials that could be used for military purposes from reaching Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. The blockade has had a profound economic impact on Gaza, leading to high unemployment rates, a severe electricity crisis, and dependency on humanitarian aid.

There is no excuse to treat a population of 2 million like prisoners like that.

Restrictions have also affected the health sector, access to clean water, and other basic services, leading to dire humanitarian situations at times. The vast majority of Gazans cannot leave the Strip, whether it's for medical treatment, studies, or other reasons, without permits from Israel or Egypt, which are difficult to obtain. (Israel refuses them more often than not.)

Israel asserts that the blockade is a necessary security measure, aimed at protecting its citizens from attacks by the Hamas and other militant groups based in Gaza.

IMPACTS
Economic Impact: The blockade has had a profound economic impact on Gaza, leading to high unemployment rates, a severe electricity crisis, and dependency on humanitarian aid.

Humanitarian Impact: Restrictions have also affected the health sector, access to clean water, and other basic services, leading to dire humanitarian situations at times.

Freedom of Movement: The vast majority of Gazans cannot leave the Strip, whether it's for medical treatment, studies, or other reasons, without permits from Israel or Egypt, which are difficult to obtain.

HOW ARE PALESTINIANS IN GAZA LOCKED IN?

The multi-layered security approach around the Gaza Strip reflects Israel's security concerns and the ongoing conflict with Hamas and other militant groups in the territory. However, it's worth noting that these stringent measures have been met with significant criticism, particularly concerning the humanitarian impacts on Gaza's civilian population.

ISRAEL'S SECURITY APPARATUS

The Israeli security apparatus around the Gaza Strip is multi-layered, designed primarily to prevent attacks from Gaza-based militant groups, deter smuggling of weapons, and to a lesser extent, control the movement of goods and people into and out of the territory. Here's a breakdown of these layers:

Land barrier and fencing: The Gaza Strip is surrounded by a fence equipped with sensors, cameras, and other monitoring equipment to detect attempts at infiltration. Watchtowers and military posts are spaced along the fence, manned by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel.

Buffer zone or 'No-go' zone: On the Gazan side of the border fence, Israel has established a buffer zone ranging from 300 meters to several kilometers wide. The IDF enforces this zone and often responds to any Palestinian presence in the area with live fire, citing security concerns. The imposition of this buffer zone reduces the amount of arable land available to Palestinian farmers.

Naval blockade: The Israeli navy enforces a maritime blockade, restricting Palestinian boats to a varying range off the coast, which has been as little as 3 nautical miles, though at times expanded to 15 nautical miles. This blockade aims to prevent arms smuggling and potential maritime attacks but also severely limits Gaza's fishing industry.

Airspace control: Israel controls Gaza's airspace, preventing any aircraft from flying in or out. This includes the usage of drones. The IDF frequently conducts aerial surveillance over Gaza using drones.

Crossings control: Israel controls most of the border crossings into Gaza. The primary commercial crossing is Kerem Shalom, through which most goods enter or exit Gaza. Erez is the main crossing for individuals, though passage is limited mostly to medical patients, aid workers, and journalists. Egypt controls the Rafah crossing to the south, and its policies can be restrictive as well, though at times it has been more lenient than the Israeli-controlled crossings.

Underground barrier: Due to concerns about tunnels being dug from Gaza into Israeli territory for militant activities, Israel has been constructing an underground barrier equipped with sensors to detect tunneling activities. This is a significant project designed to neutralize the tunnel threat, as tunnels have been used in the past for attacks on Israeli military posts and even communities.

Advanced technology: Israel employs a range of advanced technologies to bolster its security measures around Gaza. This includes the Iron Dome missile defense system, which intercepts short-range rockets fired from Gaza towards Israeli communities.

Intelligence operations: Israel's intelligence agencies are deeply involved in monitoring activities within Gaza, aiming to thwart potential attacks, track militant leaders, and disrupt weapons manufacturing and smuggling.

Observation tower (on the Israeli side): These are strategically placed structures that provide a vantage point for Israeli security forces to monitor the area. They may be equipped with surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and other high-tech monitoring equipment.

Fence: The primary barrier is a fortified fence, equipped with sensors to detect any attempts at infiltration or tampering. It serves as the first line of defense against unauthorized crossings.

'No-go' zone (0-100m on the Gazan side): This is a designated area directly adjacent to the fence on the Gaza side where Palestinian access is severely restricted. Israel has designated this area to deter and easily detect infiltration attempts. Any unauthorized movement in this zone can attract fire from Israeli forces.

Restricted access area (100-300m on the Gazan side): Beyond the immediate no-go zone is a wider restricted access area. While it is not as strictly enforced as the no-go zone, it still has significant restrictions. Farmers and others might be allowed into this area, but access is limited and can be dangerous.

Underground concrete barrier: Israel has been constructing an underground barrier to counter the threat of attack tunnels dug from Gaza into Israeli territory. This barrier is equipped with sensors to detect tunneling activities. It's designed to penetrate deep into the ground to prevent tunneling beneath it.
Access only for farmers and on foot (on the Gazan side): As noted, the restricted access area might be accessible to some Palestinian farmers, but the conditions can vary, and access can be risky. Being on foot might minimize the perceived threat to Israeli forces, but there is still potential for confrontation or incidents.

The security barrier, with its various layers and components, reflects Israel's approach to mitigating threats from Gaza, especially from groups like Hamas.

However, these security measures have been the subject of criticism due to their impact on Palestinian civilians, restricting their movement, affecting their livelihoods, and causing casualties in some instances.