End the Blockade

The strict blockade that has been imposed by the Israeli authorities on the people of Gaza since June 2007 has depleted the resources of a collapsing economy. The population, more than half of which are children, suffers from high levels of poverty and dependence on aid.

Now the blockade is preventing reconstruction and recovery of thousands of homes, schools, hospitals and water networks destroyed during Israel's military offensive in Gaza a year ago.

The wretched reality endured by 1.5 million people in Gaza should appal anybody with an ounce of humanity. Sick, traumatised and impoverished people are being collectively punished by a cruel, illegal policy imposed by the Israeli authorities.                                                                                                                                             Kate Allen, Director Amnesty International UK

While Israel has a duty to protect its citizens, the measures it takes must conform to international humanitarian and human rights law. Collective punishment such as that caused by the blockade is prohibited under international law and constitutes a crime against humanity. So far, the international community has betrayed the people of Gaza by failing to back their words with effective action to secure the ending of the Israeli blockade.

Israeli inquiry into Gaza flotilla deaths no more than a whitewash

In May 2010 a flotilla of six ships on its way to deliver aid to Gaza was raided by the Israeli authorities, leaving nine dead. A Commission set up by the Israeli authorities to investigate the incident reported its findings on 23 January 2011, stating that the Israel Defense Forces had acted lawfully but crucially failing to explain how the activists died. Amnesty International condemns these findings as no more than a 'whitewash'. Read more

Promises and realities about 'easing' the blockade

Israel's measures to 'ease' the illegal blockade of Gaza in the face of significant international pressure have done little to change the plight of Gaza's civilians. An international coalition of development, human rights and peace-building organisations is calling for renewed international action to ensure an immediate, unconditional and complete lifting of the blockade.

Download Dashed Hopes: Continuation of the Gaza Blockade (pdf)

Israel's blockade suffocating everyday life in Gaza

Nearly two years on from the end of Israel's military offensive in Gaza, Amnesty is calling on Israel to lift its 'suffocating' blockade. In a briefing released to mark the anniversary of the end of Operation Cast Lead, we highlight the plight of Palestinians trying to rebuild after the devastation caused by the conflict. 

Download Suffocating: The Gaza Strip under Israeli blockade (pdf)

Read the report

We teamed up with 15 other leading humanitarian and human rights groups to produce a report highlighting the failure of the international community to act against the blockade. 

Download Failing Gaza: No Rebuilding, no recovery, no more excuses (pdf)