Gaza Strip and Rafah Border

20 Oct 2023 Gaza Strip and Rafah Border

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Gaza Strip and Rafah Border”. This topic has relevance in the “Geography” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

Where is Gaza Strip?

Where is Rafah Border?

For Mains:

GS2: International Relations

Why in the news?

The Gaza Strip has witnessed intense airstrikes for over a week following Israel’s response to an unprecedented terror attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7th.

Gaza Strip Overview

• The Gaza Strip is a 140-square-mile (363 square km) territory along the Mediterranean Sea, positioned northeast of the Sinai Peninsula.
• It’s densely populated but not officially recognised as part of any country.
• The region’s population growth is among the highest globally, with nearly half in refugee camps.
• In 2017, it had a population of 1,899,291; in 2023, the estimated population is 2,226,544.

Historical Context

• 1947 UN Partition Plan: The Gaza Strip is one of two Palestinian territories, stemming from the UN’s 1947 “Partition Plan for Palestine.” It became a point of contention after Israel’s creation in 1948 and the Arab-Israeli war.
• Israeli Occupation: After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel took control of Gaza and the West Bank. The United Nations classifies Israel as an occupying state in Palestinian territories.
• Hamas Control: In 2006, Hamas won elections in Gaza and has maintained political control. Hamas, designated a terrorist organisation by the U.S., seeks an independent Islamic state but doesn’t recognise Israel.

Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis

• Longstanding Blockade: Since 2007, Israel has maintained an air, land, and sea blockade on Gaza, often called the “world’s largest open-air prison.” Palestinian movement is heavily restricted.
• Economic Hardship: The Gaza Strip’s economy has been severely impacted by restrictions on the movement of people, leading to an unemployment rate exceeding 40%. Over 60% of Gazans face food insecurity, and around 80% rely on international aid.
• Worsening Conditions: Following Hamas’ terror attack on October 7, Israel imposed a total siege, further cutting off vital supplies such as food, water, and electricity, pushing Gaza to the brink. The UN warned of water shortages and a fragile healthcare system

Recent Developments

• Escalating Conflict: Ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, along with Israeli airstrikes, has killed thousands of Palestinians over the years, resulting in displacement and destruction.
• Humanitarian Consequences: Recent hostilities have caused mass evacuations, impacting the population’s well-being. The UN described movement on this scale as impossible without severe humanitarian repercussions.
• Criticism on Both Sides: The UN has condemned both Hamas’ terror attacks and Israel’s attacks on Palestinian civilians, as well as the tightening of the blockade.

Rafah Border Crossing 

• The Rafah Border Crossing is the only closing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. 
• It gained significance due to Israel’s complete blockade of Gaza. 
• Egypt administers this crossing, providing a route that bypasses Israeli territory. 
• This passage is vital for direct humanitarian aid access to Gaza from outside Israel. 
• Recently, a deal between the US and Egypt was announced to reopen this border crossing, enabling aid to reach Palestine. 

Sources: Palestinians report heavy shelling in south Gaza towns where civilians are seeking refuge – The Hindu

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 20 Oct 2023

Q1. With reference Gaza Strip, consider the following statements: 

1. The Gaza Strip is a territory located south of the Sinai Peninsula along the Mediterranean Sea.
2. It is officially recognised as part of Israel but contested by the state of Palestine. 
3. Hamas has political control over the Gaza. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only 

(d) None 

Answer: (c) 

Q2. Consider the following: 

Border Crossings – Countries/ Regions

1. San Ysidro – US – Canada
2. Panmunjom – North Korea- South Korea
3. Rafah – Gaza- Israel
4. Allenby Bridge – West Bank – Jordan

How many of the abovementioned pairs are correct?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) All Four 

Answer: (b)

Gaurav N