Israel closes three of four trade/aid goods crossings into Gaza

Ma'an News Agency, 2 March 2011: Israeli authorities decided on Wednesday to permanently close Gaza's central Karni crossing.

Palestinian liaison official Raed Fattouh said Israeli authorities informed him the Karni crossing east of Gaza City would close, leaving only the southern Kerem Shalom crossing open for goods.

In January, Israeli officials announced the imminent closure of the bulk goods crossing, saying transport equipment would move to Kerem Shalom.

Currently Karni, is the only terminal able to import bulk goods like wheat, animal fodder and construction aggregates, and is mainly used for UNRWA-bound goods.

UN officials had warned that the closure of the Karni terminal would further restrict imports. With the crossing previously operating only twice a week, shortages of wheat, animal feed and construction aggregates were reported weekly. UNRWA spokesman in Jerusalem Chris Gunness earlier described the Kerem Shalom crossing as a "bottleneck through which we are forced to bring assistance to over one million people."

Source: Israel closes Karni crossing permanently, Ma'an News Agency, 2 March 2011
Feature report: Gaza food situation tight as Karni crossing closed, Ma'an News Agency, 7 March 2011.

Since 2007, three out of the four commercal crossing points into the Gaza Strip used for Palestinian trade and the transfer of humanitarian aid goods, have been permanently closed by Israel - in violation of the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access.

© Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA 2003.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 09-Mar-2011 19:49:44 EST
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