"Gaza is no longer occupied."

Argument

Supporters argue that Gaza is no longer occupied because Israel withdrew its settlers and military presence in 2005. They claim that since Hamas governs Gaza internally, Israel no longer bears responsibility for what happens there, and therefore, the occupation legally ended with the disengagement.

Counterpoint

International law experts, including the UN and Human Rights Watch, maintain that Gaza remains occupied. Israel controls Gaza’s airspace, territorial waters, population registry, and nearly all entry and exit points. These forms of control meet the legal threshold for occupation, even without permanent ground troops present.

Moreover, the ongoing blockade, now over 18 years old, limits access to food, medicine, fuel, and construction materials, creating conditions tantamount to collective punishment. Israel’s periodic military incursions and surveillance infrastructure further undermine the claim of non-occupation.

Spin

  • Legal evasion: Redefining occupation to mean “boots on the ground” sidesteps broader legal responsibilities under international humanitarian law.
  • Control without presence: Israel governs borders, economy, and movement, making the absence of soldiers irrelevant to the reality of domination.
  • False sovereignty: Presenting Hamas rule as full autonomy obscures the structural power imbalance and external control mechanisms.
  • Terminological warfare: Declaring “end of occupation” rebrands blockade and siege as legitimate policy tools rather than war crimes.

Sources