On 23 January 2008, the Palestinian population en masse stormed through the southern border of the Gaza Strip.
They entered Egyptian territory, either to buy basic foodstuffs or to travel, especially as they were trapped within the Strip for more than six months.
This step came after the IOF closed the Strip completely on 18 January 2008, and reflects the exacerbating humanitarian crisis that is unprecedented in the Gaza Strip.
The closure extends to all materials relevant to humanitarian issues like medicines, medical equipment, fuel, basic foodstuffs and baby milk.
The Gaza Strip witnessed a severe shortage in electricity, after the local power station witnessed a dramatic decline in fuel supplies.
The IOF prevent the admission of industrial fuel necessary for its operation, which has seriously affected all aspects of life here.
Also, the Gaza Strip witnessed a shortage in basic foodstuffs and a dramatic rise in their prices.
Today's situation is an outcome of Israel's continued disregard of its legal obligations according to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
It shows also IOF's contempt for the Israeli High Court of Justice, after they ignored their obligations to the Court, which instructed Israeli authorities not to prejudice the humanitarian needs of the population in the Gaza Strip; albeit such needs interpreted too narrowly.
The facts prove that the great pressure exerted on the population in the Gaza Strip contribute to the need for people to make openings in the border with Egypt.
Tens of thousands flow in to buy their necessities, as thousands of them felt despair over their inability to leave the Strip and return to their home countries.
This made them fully ready to risk their lives for travel.
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights calls on the international community to act effectively in order to stop the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation among the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip.
The Center calls upon them to work towards lifting the siege immediately and allow the free movement of goods, particularly basic foodstuffs and fuel, and the freedom of movement of individuals.
International protection for the population in the Gaza Strip must be granted.
Al Mezan also demands all concerned parties to take all measures to ensure the reopening of the borders of Gazaa, especially the Rafah Crossing, immediately in order to facilitate the movement of individuals and goods.
Israel must stop their absolute control over the crossing's operations.
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