Israel’s limitations on the import and export of goods from the Gaza Strip does not harm armed groups, as Israel contends, but instead negatively impacts the quality of life for all Gaza residents.
Today (13 April), Israel permitted reopening of the Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, which was closed for a week. The Kerem Shalom crossing remains the sole open passage for goods between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
The reopening of Kerem Shalom will not allow for real development of Gaza’s economy. Although for example a delivery of flowers to Europe is expected to leave in the coming days, exports from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank are completely prohibited.
According to data published by Gisha, the average monthly amount of building materials (iron, cement and gravel) that Israel permitted to enter the Gaza Strip between October 2010 and February 2011 was some 20,000 tons, representing only 7.6% of the average monthly amount entering prior to imposition of the siege, between January-May 2007.
Israel justifies these limitations on building materials with its fear that they will be used for military purposes. This excuse serves as justification for bureaucratic obstacles in importing building material into Gaza. However, the amount of building material entering Gaza through the tunnels is estimated at some 5 times more than that that entering through the Israeli-controled crossings. It appears, therefore, that the limitations imposed by Israel do not pose a real impediment for armed groups in Gaza.
While the siege does not harm armed groups, it does harm the quality of life for all Palestinians in Gaza.
All stations for distribution of cooking gas have been closed. According to statistics from the general gas union, since the beginning of April the average daily supply of cooking gas stands at some 6.6% of the required amount. The Nahal Oz crossing, which in the past served for transfer of gas and petrol from Israel to Gaza, has been closed since the beginning of January. Since then all transfers of gas are through the small and isolated Kerem Shalom crossing, which is insufficient for transfer of the required amount of gas. When Kerem Shalom was closed, the transfer of gas to Gaza was completely halted.
Even worse, the siege harms medical services for residents of Gaza. According to statistics of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, the supply of more than 150 types of drugs has completely dried up. 65 additional types of drugs will be depleted within the coming months. Additionally, medical supplies have run out for various treatments, including catheters and equipment for chemotherapy.
Translated to English by the Alternative Information Center (AIC)
