Gaza Major Events Since Hamas Control

•In June 2007, Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip. Hamas conducts an ongoing armed conflict against the State of Israel and does not recognize Israel’s right to exist. Therefore the government of Israel considers the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip to be a “hostile entity” and imposes various civil restriction on Gaza .

•Despite Hamas’ control of the Gaza Strip, COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) and the Erez Crossing officers, acting in coordination with the Palestinian Authority’s Civil Committee on the Gaza Strip, continue to coordinate activities concerning health, infrastructure and other humanitarian issues.

•Between 27 Dec. 2008 and 18 Jan. 2009, the IDF launched an operation in Gaza in order to end the constant firing of rockets and mortars at Israel and to restore peace and quiet to southern Israel.

Humanitarian Activity in 2009:

• 738,576 tons (30,576 truckloads) of humanitarian commodities were transfer to the Gaza Strip
• 22,849 Palestinians exited the Strip, among them 10,544 patients and their companions who exited for medical treatment in Israel
• 21,200 international aid and other staff members entered Gaza.