But it was closed after a civil war within Gaza where Hamas took over circa 2007, not in response to a war with "other" countries. The blockade has been in places for nearly 20 years.
I think if Israel believes that weapons can be smuggled via sea, which is reasonable given the smuggling via Sinai and Rafah crossing, then they took the rational step of mitigation this risk.
Gazans could smuggle in arms, ergo refugees can't escape out into international waters towards whoever might receive them?
That doesn't make sense, it seems as if they're held hostage by Israel forced to stay in the very land where their own terrorist government might impress them into servitude towards use against Israel.
Interesting way to describe the government the people of Gaza.
If Palestinians launch the rockets from Gaza to Israel, why should Israel to continue their trade with them? This is counterintuitive.