Debunking the Myth: Israel Occupied Gaza Before October 7th

The claim that Israel occupied the Gaza Strip prior to October 7th, 2023, is a misrepresentation of historical facts. A detailed timeline highlights the region's governance and clarifies Israel's role:

• 1299-1917: The Gaza Strip was under Ottoman Empire control.

• 1918-1948: Following World War I, the British Mandate governed the area.

• 1949-1967: Egypt controlled Gaza after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

• 1968-1993: After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel took control of Gaza from Egypt.

• 1993-2005: Following the Oslo Accords, Gaza was administered jointly by Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), the first time in history that the local Arabs, the Palestinians, had any autonomy.

• 2005-2007: Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, evacuating all Jewish towns and military presence, leaving the territory entirely under Palestinian control.

• 2007-2024: Hamas seized power after a violent coup against the PA, establishing its control over Gaza.

Israel’s Withdrawal and Hamas Takeover

In 2005, Israel disengaged from Gaza, dismantling Jewish communities and withdrawing military forces. The territory was handed over to the Palestinian Authority, marking an end to Israel's occupation. However, Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections and, in 2007, forcibly ousted the PA from Gaza. Since then, Hamas has governed the Strip.

Hamas’ charter explicitly calls for Israel’s destruction, and its leadership has directed resources toward military buildup rather than improving civilian infrastructure. Consequently, Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade to limit Hamas’ access to weapons, not to occupy Gaza. The blockade is a security measure rather than an assertion of control over the Strip.

Humanitarian Support, Not Occupation

Despite Hamas' hostility, Israel supplies Gaza with essential resources such as electricity and water, not as an occupier but as a humanitarian act. These provisions aim to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population, which Hamas has failed to address. Hamas diverts significant funds and materials, including international aid, toward weaponry and terror infrastructure rather than public services.

Israel also maintains a population registry for Gaza residents. This system is not for occupation but facilitates the movement of Palestinians into Israel for employment, allowing thousands to support their families despite the tense political situation.

Clarifying the Reality

The notion that Gaza remains under Israeli occupation ignores key historical and legal facts. Occupation implies control over governance, law enforcement, and administration, none of which Israel exercises in Gaza. Since 2007, Hamas has held absolute authority in the Strip. The ongoing blockade is a response to Hamas’ aggression, not an indicator of occupation.

Understanding the history and context of Gaza’s governance clarifies that Israel’s relationship with Gaza is defined by security concerns and humanitarian efforts rather than occupation. The perpetuation of the occupation myth detracts from meaningful discussions about Gaza’s challenges and Hamas' role in exacerbating them.