Access Restricted Areas (ARA) in the Gaza Strip | July 2013

Restrictions imposed by Israel on access to land along Gaza’s perimeter fence and to fishing areas along Gaza’s coast undermine the security and livelihoods of Palestinians. These restrictions prevent access to large farming and fishing areas and their enforcement places civilians at serious physical risk. In recent months there has been improved access to these areas, following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in November 2012. However, improvement has not been consistent or sustained and the potential impact on land has also been limited by restrictions on the entry of vehicles and equipment, which make some land unusable.