Criticism
The forced eviction by Israel of its settlers and military forces in entirety from the ground territory of the Gaza strip has been put forth as a 'test case' of "Land for Peace" with the Palestinians.
- This 'test case' is argued by some to show the failure of the "Land for Peace" strategy with the Palestinians:
- Rockets launched against Israeli targets continued almost immediately after the Israeli withdrawal and have increased in the time since.
- The attacks from the Gaza Strip are continuing today
- The area is now being used to smuggle weapons into Gaza
- Tunnels are being built under the border for use in the smuggling of weapons, fighters and to kidnap Israeli soldiers
- Is presumed that Hamas is the main organization behind the smuggling and tunnels, though other groups are likely involved as well
- Counter arguments
However, it is countered that the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is not a valid test case because Israel is continuing its occupation, demolition of Palestinian property and erection of outposts and settlements in the West Bank.
- Israel still controls the airspace and water of the Gaza Strip, so the occupation of that territory alone still continues.
- Israel's limiting of trade relations and blockades with the Gaza Strip, the International Community's suspension of aid following the election of a Hamas-led government and the erection of the Israeli West Bank barrier might constitute a siege. However part of the Gaza Strip borders Egypt, so any siege would require Egyptian compliance.
- Under international law, the test for occupation is whether "effective control" of a foreign military can be said to exist. As Israel controls most of Gaza's borders and airspace, in addition to all imports and civilian institutions such as the birth registry and can invade the small coastal territory in a very short amount of time whenever it so chooses. It is thus the consensus among some international law experts that Israel remains the effective Occupying Power of the Gaza Strip, while other law experts dispute this.
Read more about this topic: Land For Peace
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