Gaza's hidden Israelis: Mass citizenship claims emerge

Gazans — Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib / Flash90

Hundreds of Gaza residents who hold Israeli citizenship have requested entry into Israel since October 7, according to an investigation published Sunday by journalist Akiva Bigman on the Mida news website.

The requests primarily come from women who maintained their Israeli citizenship while residing in Gaza, where they established families and lived throughout their adult lives. Many are now seeking to enter Israel with their children, who were born to Palestinian fathers in Gaza.

"During Operation Iron Swords, and shortly after the Hamas attack, Israel has approved the entry of hundreds of Gaza residents who hold Israeli citizenship, granting them access to associated social benefits," Bigman wrote in his report.

LEGAL COMPLEXITIES

The situation highlights the intricate nature of citizenship laws in the region. While these women maintain their right to Israeli citizenship, their children's status presents specific legal challenges. Israeli law requires children born abroad to be registered within 30 days of birth - a procedure that was not followed in these cases.

"The claim is that since they are Israeli, their children are entitled to Israeli citizenship," Bigman noted in his report. However, he pointed out that these individuals "chose to live in the Gaza Strip under PA or Hamas rule, and until the outbreak of war, saw no value in their connection to Israel."

UNPRECEDENTED SITUATION

According to Bigman's report, prior to the current conflict, these individuals had limited contact with Israeli authorities and primarily centered their lives around Gaza. "This story initially sounds like the product of an unrestrained imagination, but it is indeed happening," he wrote.

The report raises questions about the intersection of citizenship rights and national security considerations during times of conflict. The Interior Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the exact number of entry requests received or the criteria being used to evaluate them.

The ministry has also not clarified whether special provisions are being made for these cases given the current security situation and the inability to follow standard citizenship registration procedures during the ongoing conflict.