After 1967 – Israel Allowed Freedom of Movement

When Israel captured the Gaza Strip (and the West Bank) in the 1967 Six-Day War, it became responsible for governing more than a million Palestinians.

At first, Israel adopted a policy known as the “open bridges policy.”

• Gazans could work in Israel, study, and travel relatively freely.

• Thousands crossed the border daily for jobs in construction, farming, and service work.

• Israel hoped that allowing movement would:

  • Improve Gaza’s economy,

  • Reduce hostility, and

  • Show that coexistence was possible.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, this freedom helped raise living standards in Gaza — but it also deepened dependence on Israel’s economy.

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⚠️ 1. 1987 – The First Intifada (Palestinian Uprising)

Everything began to change with the First Intifada (1987–1993).

• Palestinians protested Israeli rule through strikes, demonstrations, and violence.

• Israel responded with curfews, closures, and checkpoints.

For the first time, the army began restricting movement in and out of Gaza.
The goal: control unrest and stop attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians.

The freedom Gazans once had was now seen as a security risk.

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💣 2. 1990s – Rise of Hamas and Terror Attacks

During and after the Oslo Accords (1993–1995), Gaza was supposed to move toward self-rule under the Palestinian Authority.

But during the 1990s, Hamas and other militant groups began carrying out suicide bombings and shootings inside Israel.
In response, Israel:

• Built more border fences,

• Imposed permit systems for workers, and

• Introduced closures after each major attack.

So the earlier “open borders” policy gave way to a “security-first” policy.

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🚷 3. 2000s – Second Intifada and Hamas Takeover

The Second Intifada (2000–2005) brought another wave of attacks and Israeli retaliation.

• Israel sealed off Gaza frequently,

• Movement was reduced to a trickle.

Then in 2005, Israel withdrew entirely from Gaza — removing its soldiers and settlers.
But after Hamas violently took control in 2007 and began firing rockets into Israel, the Israeli government imposed a blockade with Egypt’s cooperation.

That blockade remains today, with limited crossings only for humanitarian, medical, or work permits.

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📜 Summary

Period	Israel’s Policy	Reason
1967–1987	Open movement	Economic cooperation & stability
1987–1993	Movement restrictions	First Intifada violence
1993–2005	Permit system	Terror attacks after Oslo
2007–Present	Blockade	Hamas control & rocket fire

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🧭 In short:

Israel first allowed Gazans freedom of movement to encourage coexistence and economic growth.
But as violence, uprisings, and terrorism increased, Israel gradually imposed tight restrictions to protect its civilians.

The shift from “open bridges” to “closed borders” reflects a transition from trust to security defense — a cycle still affecting both sides today.

By Teresa Morin
Truth News