I'm an American attempting to return to Gaza to teach and bear witness to the daily struggle of the Palestinians living there. I was last in Gaza September 2012 - May 2013.
For nearly a decade, the State of Israel has blockaded the Gaza Strip, preventing thousands of Palestinians and foreigners from traveling to and from Gaza through the Erez Crossing in the north.
The only other access into or out of the Gaza Strip is the Rafah Crossing on its southern border with Egypt. In 2013, this crossing was open 264 days; in 2014, 124 days; and, as of December, only 21 days in 2015.
Following Israel’s Operation Protective Edge in 2014, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced a requirement stating that before it will issue clearance to travel to Gaza, foreigners must provide documentation from their embassies.
In 2011, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo provided written waivers of liability and responsibility to travelers asking to visit Gaza. This year, however, the U.S. Embassy has refused to provide waivers or documentation. It also has refused to meet with American citizens wanting to travel to Gaza.
Many Americans wish to travel to Gaza to volunteer their time and talents, to learn about the reality on the ground, and to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians.
We petition Ambassador Beecroft and Deputy Chief of Mission Goldberger in the U.S. Embassy in Cairo to resume issuing waivers to American citizens who wish to travel to Gaza.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
December 22, 2015
301 Comments
U.S. citizens should not be blocked by the U.S. OR Israel from traveling to the Palestinian Occupied Territories and Gaza. Our work and witness in extremely important to Palestinians living under occupation.
The immoral and unconditional support for Israeli oppression of Palestinians, as illustrated by the refusal to grant visa waivers to, or meet with, Americans wishing to travel to Gaza, is profoundly un-American, and contrary to International Humanitarian Law.
It is one thing when the US government sides with Israel despite its war crimes in Gaza and the rest of Palestine, but it is a whole new low when it prevents ordinary Americans from bearing witness to the struggle of the Palestinians and to show mere acts of solidarity.
It's unconscionable that the US government is essentially preventing Americans from travel to Gaza. To facilitate humanitarian efforts to help the Palestinians in Gaza, I urge the US Embassy in Cairo to issue waivers of liability to Americans who wish to travel to Gaza in 2016 and later.
It is very important that Americans see first hand what is happening in Gaza, especially those who are intent on providing services or who want to part of efforts to bring peace to the region. Please open things up and stop unnecessary delays. Thank you.
Americans face to face with other country citizens is our best hope for peace. People tp people not gun to gun. Hugs not hurt.
this is just not rite why is this happening? ?if this was anywhere like America UK Scotland it never happen so why there??why has Israel have so much power over other people life's? ??????why f why?????
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
I'm an American attempting to return to Gaza to teach and bear witness to the daily struggle of the Palestinians living there. I was last in Gaza September 2012 - May 2013.
For nearly a decade, the State of Israel has blockaded the Gaza Strip, preventing thousands of Palestinians and foreigners from traveling to and from Gaza through the Erez Crossing in the north.
The only other access into or out of the Gaza Strip is the Rafah Crossing on its southern border with Egypt. In 2013, this crossing was open 264 days; in 2014, 124 days; and, as of December, only 21 days in 2015.
Following Israel’s Operation Protective Edge in 2014, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced a requirement stating that before it will issue clearance to travel to Gaza, foreigners must provide documentation from their embassies.
In 2011, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo provided written waivers of liability and responsibility to travelers asking to visit Gaza. This year, however, the U.S. Embassy has refused to provide waivers or documentation. It also has refused to meet with American citizens wanting to travel to Gaza.
Many Americans wish to travel to Gaza to volunteer their time and talents, to learn about the reality on the ground, and to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians.
We petition Ambassador Beecroft and Deputy Chief of Mission Goldberger in the U.S. Embassy in Cairo to resume issuing waivers to American citizens who wish to travel to Gaza.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
December 22, 2015
301 Comments
I have been unable to re-enter Gaza since 1993. It is vitally important for Americans and Palestinians to be able to travel there for helpful purposes. Otherwise Gaza is a giant prison. Ernest+
U.S. citizens should not be blocked by the U.S. OR Israel from traveling to the Palestinian Occupied Territories and Gaza. Our work and witness in extremely important to Palestinians living under occupation.
The immoral and unconditional support for Israeli oppression of Palestinians, as illustrated by the refusal to grant visa waivers to, or meet with, Americans wishing to travel to Gaza, is profoundly un-American, and contrary to International Humanitarian Law.
It is one thing when the US government sides with Israel despite its war crimes in Gaza and the rest of Palestine, but it is a whole new low when it prevents ordinary Americans from bearing witness to the struggle of the Palestinians and to show mere acts of solidarity.
It's unconscionable that the US government is essentially preventing Americans from travel to Gaza. To facilitate humanitarian efforts to help the Palestinians in Gaza, I urge the US Embassy in Cairo to issue waivers of liability to Americans who wish to travel to Gaza in 2016 and later.
It is very important that Americans see first hand what is happening in Gaza, especially those who are intent on providing services or who want to part of efforts to bring peace to the region. Please open things up and stop unnecessary delays. Thank you.
Americans face to face with other country citizens is our best hope for peace. People tp people not gun to gun. Hugs not hurt.
this is just not rite why is this happening? ?if this was anywhere like America UK Scotland it never happen so why there??why has Israel have so much power over other people life's? ??????why f why?????
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 1,000 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
I have been unable to re-enter Gaza since 1993. It is vitally important for Americans and Palestinians to be able to travel there for helpful purposes. Otherwise Gaza is a giant prison. Ernest+