Text of new IDF declaration to be signed by foreign nationals entering Gaza
Document, The Electronic Intifada, 8 May 2003

Introduction

The Electronic Intifada has obtained the text of a document distributed by the Israeli military to foreign diplomatic representatives. The document is entitled "Form to be filled out and submitted to IDF authorities prior to entry to the Gaza Strip" and is aimed at excluding foreign peace activists from undertaking nonviolent direct action against Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Requiring activists to declare that they have "no association with the organization known as ISM (International Solidarity Movement) nor any other organization whose aim is to disrupt IDF operations", the document seeks to disuade participation in nonviolent activism and sidestep any Israeli legal responsibility for harm caused to activists confronting illegal Israeli actions in occupied Gaza.

In an area that has seen Israeli troops kill one foreign journalist and two foreign activists in the last few months, it is hard to fathom what Israel thinks it can really achieve with this bizarre legalistic document pertaining to a geographic region where Israel itself has typically acted in utter violation of all commonly understood interpretations of international human rights law, to say nothing of universal morality.

If Israel bulldozes another Rachel Corrie, will we accept her murder just because the next Rachel Corrie signed a declaration upon entry to Gaza that stated that she would not stand in front of bulldozers? When Israel shoots its next James Miller, will we nod understandingly simply because point four on the following declaration states that "Foreign nationals are strongly advised to stay well clear of military activity."? Of course not.

In all civil rights movements in the past, there has come a point where those struggling for freedom have confronted unjust laws. Trying to bar activists from the areas where they typically confront the injustice is essentially asking for people to make a "loyalty declaration" to a system of military occupation that has remained cause of untold misery for millions of Palestinians. As a result, the document is fundamentally meaningless.

What the document clearly shows is that Israel is desperately trying to pull the rug back over the hellish situation in southern Gaza that its clumsy killings of foreign activists and news professionals has uncovered. Once again, rather than address any of the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel prefers to remove more of the eyewitnesses who can give us an honest account of what life on the ground in southern Gaza is like.

Nigel Parry


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ISRAELI DEFENCE FORCES

Form to be filled out and submitted to IDF authorities prior to entry to the Gaza Strip

First name:
Family name:
Nationality:
Passport number:
Home address:
Address in Gaza:
Purpose of visit in detail:
Duration of visit:
Organisation arranging visit:


Conditions of Entry into the Gaza Strip

Foreign nationals entering the Gaza Strip, please note that the IDF is committed to ensuring the safety of civilians not engaged in hostilities. However, in the current circumstances, the IDF cannot guarantee the personal safety of foreign nationals visiting the area. Although the IDF cannot accept responsibility for death, injury or damage/loss of property incurred as a result of military activity, foreign nationals visiting the area are subject to the following conditions whose purpose is to minimize the risks involved:

1. The Military Installation Area along the border with Egypt is IDF administered territory and is strictly out of bounds to foreign nationals. Please note that this area has been the site of intense hostilities and is extremely dangerous.

2. Interference or obstruction of Israeli security personnel in the performance of their duties is a criminal offence.

3. The areas adjacent to the Perimeter Fence, Israeli Settlements, Lateral Roads serving Israeli civilians and IDF positions are Closed Military Zones and are strictly out of bounds to all persons.

4. Foreign nationals are strongly advised to stay well clear of military activity.


Declaration

I declare that the details provided above are true and correct and that I have read the above conditions and agree to abide by the fully. I am aware that my failure to do so may lead to my arrest and/ or expulsion from the Gaza Strip and/or from the territory of the State of Israel. I am aware of the risks involved and accept that the Government of the State of Israel and its organs cannot be held responsible for death, injury and/or damage/loss of property which may be incurred as a result of military activity. I also undertake not to disrupt IDF operations in any way and declare that I have no association with the organization known as ISM (International Solidarity Movement) nor any other organization whose aim is to disrupt IDF operations.

Signed:
Date:

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