Methodology

After being denied entry into Gaza by Israel during major hostilities, Human Rights Watch researchers entered Gaza via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on January 21, 2009, and over the following two weeks conducted 13 interviews with the victims of and witnesses to the abuses documented in this report. Human Rights Watch researchers also spoke with local human rights groups and journalists who had researched these issues, before leaving Gaza on February 4, when Egypt again closed the border.  Israel continues to deny Human Rights Watch access to Gaza.  An additional victim was interviewed in Egypt on February 10.

On March 5, 2009 Human Rights Watch submitted a list of detailed questions to the government of Ismail Haniya regarding alleged abuses by Hamas security forces.  A follow-up letter was sent on March 13.  Both letters are provided as an appendix to this report.  As of April 10, Human Rights Watch had received no reply.