As you may know, Israel has a history of complex relocation policies, especially with Bedouins and Palestinians. In the case of El Shtiwi, the Israeli government relocated Bedouin families to new, unknown settlements such as Tel Arad, which were not officially recognized, nor were they supported by the state, ultimately impacting their access to resources and legal protections. Israeli immigration laws are heavily influenced by various security, political, and historical factors. The process can be quite challenging, especially for displaced or non-Jewish populations.

Policies are often driven by political considerations. For example, Jewish people and their children can immigrate, making Aliyah under the Law of Return. However, immigration from Gaza and the West Bank is highly restricted by strict permit requirements. Furthermore, issues like the ban on polygamy and the temporary nature of residency permits complicate the legal status of individuals like El Shtiwi and his family. For instance, ??the article mentions that El Shtiwi had to prove paternity through a DNA test due to the ban, ultimately highlighting how legal status and family law complexities affect individuals.

Family reunification can be a lengthy and uncertain process, exacerbated by political instability. Israeli citizens and permit holders can apply for family reunification for spouses, children, and other close relatives. However, this process can be lengthy and bureaucratic. Whereas, family reunification involving Palestinians from the West Bank or Gaza is particularly challenging. Restrictions and security concerns often limit these applications, with significant delays and stringent requirements. Overall, while family reunification is possible, it can be difficult, especially for non-citizens and those from specific regions.

Gaza:

Gaza, governed by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, faces significant restrictions and challenges due to ongoing political conflict. Residency and immigration are heavily influenced by the political and security situation. Gaza was originally under Israel’s control, so when Israel withdrew from Gaza, many of those living in Dahanyia had to evacuate. El Shtiwi was brought to a tent in the Negev, called Tel Arad, while his wife and kids were unable to leave Gaza due to their irregular migration status. Furthermore, Gaza’s residents, including those with connections to other countries, face severe difficulties due to restrictions on movement and resources. In the article, Gaza’s conditions are described as dire: “Widad spends her days with her children, living on welfare in a precarious tent near the town of Khan Yunis.” This reflects the severe humanitarian conditions impacting residents’ daily lives and their ability to address legal issues. They don’t have access to main areas and their families get split up.

Additionally, the living conditions in Gaza are poor, with shortages of essential supplies and frequent conflict. This impacts residents’ ability to navigate legal processes or seek relocation. The article describes Gaza as a place facing “hunger and bombings,” highlighting the extreme hardship that affects residents’ ability to seek or manage immigration and residency processes. Shtiwi’s wife explains, “In Rafah, we were not happy, because we wanted to return to our home in Israel and the children wanted to be with their father. Now we are worse off, in a tent where it is very hot.” El Shtiwi’s attempts to bring his wife and children back to Israel have been complicated and put off by bureaucratic delays and the escalating violence in the region. Therefore, living in Gaza means facing the hardships of war and discrimination.

The political division between Hamas and the Palestinian authority in the West Bank complicates the family reunification process. Family members who wish to reunite with relatives in Gaza often need permits from Israeli or Egyptian authorities. However, obtaining these permits can be a long process due to political conflict.

Egypt:

Egypt’s immigration framework is not discussed in detail in the article, but the movement of El Shtiwi’s family between Egypt and other territories implies a less restrictive environment compared to Israel’s more stringent policies.

El Shtiwi’s family initially relocated to Dahaniya in Gaza after being moved from Egypt. The article notes that “part of the clan returned to the Sinai” following the Israel-Egypt peace treaty of 1987. This suggests that while Egypt has less restrictive relocation policies compared to Israel, political and historical factors still influence residency.

For instance, family reunification in Egypt is generally easily accessible if the primary applicant holds a valid residency permit or is a citizen. Immediate family members can reunite in Egypt, following completion of the application process where one submits various documents of proof.  However, the political climate and regional stability can impact family reunification policies. For example, security concerns or political tensions might lead to more stringent checks or delays in processing applications.

This article was written by Yamit Drotman and Yasmin Dabscheck.

Comparison Between The Different Countries And Their Immigration Laws