In 2005 Israel unilaterally disengaged from the Gaza Strip. All Israeli residents were removed from Gaza – some by force. Since that time, more than 10,000 rockets have been fired at civilians living in Israel’s south by various Palestinian terrorist groups, including Hamas. A majority of Palestinians support the rocket attacks.
Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza after Hamas took over the territory in a bloody coup against the Palestinian Authority in 2007. During the coup 116 people were killed and more than 500 were injured.
Because even every-day materials like cement and nails can, and will, be used by groups like Hamas in terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians, the Israeli and Egyptian blockade has been in effect since the Hamas coup of 2007.
Hamas refuses to enter into negotiations or even recognise the state of Israel. Hamas’s charter promises the destruction of Israel and all the Jewish people of the Middle East. Despite this, Israel continues to let in more than 15,000 tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza each week. Even though the Hamas government swears the destruction of Israel, the Jewish state still does what it can to to support the Palestinian people of Gaza.
The blockade is not a solution to the conflict. Ideally, Israel and Egypt would not impose the blockade. However, while Hamas intends to destroy Israel and kill all the Jewish inhabitants, a blockade that limits the supply of arms and arms making equipment is the only way to reduce the danger.