Gaza Strip
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
2 / 100
Not Free
A major terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli territory in October 2023 triggered a massive Israeli military response in Gaza, resulting in thousands of deaths, the internal displacement of nearly the entire civilian population, an escalating humanitarian crisis, and an unprecedented level of damage to physical infrastructure.
Research & Recommendations
Gaza Strip*
Not Free
2
100
| PR Political Rights | -2 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 4 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
8
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
* Indicates a territory as opposed to an independent country.
Overview
The political rights and civil liberties of Gaza Strip residents are severely constrained or denied. Since 2007, Israel’s de facto blockade of the territory, periodic military incursions, and rule-of-law violations have imposed serious hardship on the civilian population, as has Egypt’s tight control over the southern border. The Palestinian political and militant group known as Hamas, or the Islamic Resistance Movement, gained control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, following its victory in the preceding year’s Palestinian legislative elections and a subsequent conflict with Fatah, the ruling party in the West Bank. The entrenched division between Hamas and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) since then has contributed to the repeated postponement of elections, which have not been held in the Gaza Strip since 2006. Hamas—which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and other democracies—governs in an authoritarian manner, actively suppressing criticism of its rule. After Hamas forces killed some 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostages in a major terrorist attack on Israeli territory in October 2023, Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and deprived the civilian population of access to adequate water, food, medical care, and shelter.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
2
/ 100
Not Free
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
NOTE: Freedom in the World reports assess the level of political rights and civil liberties in a given geographical area, regardless of whether they are affected by the state, nonstate actors, or foreign powers. Disputed or occupied territories are sometimes assessed separately if they meet certain criteria, including boundaries that are sufficiently stable to allow year-on-year comparisons. For more information, see the report methodology and FAQ.
