Situation Report: The humanitarian impact of reduced access between Gaza and Egypt | 23 September 2013

Long-term restrictions imposed by Israel on the movement of people and goods to and from the Gaza Strip through Israeli-controlled crossings have the left the Gaza economy and population dependent upon illegal tunnel trade and the Egyptian-controlled Rafah Crossing. Recent action to counter illegal activities and insecurity in the Sinai have included restricting on movement of people through the Rafah Crossing and closing down smuggling tunnels. At the same time, there have been only limited easings of the ongoing restrictions imposed at legitimate crossing points from Israel. Consequently, an already fragile humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has worsened.