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Gaza: eased or un-eased?
01 July 2011
June 2011: New report from the UN World Food Program on changes in the Gaza Strip's market and household conditions following Israel's 20 June 2010 new access regime.
The Government of Israel (GoI) announced on 20 June 2010 its decision to "ease" the blockade on the Gaza Strip by expanding commercial crossings and improving access to humanitarian and commercial goods except any "dual-use items" that could be used for potential military activity against the State of Israel. On 8 December 2010, the GoI announced that it would allow the export of agricultural products, furniture and textile products through the crossings to assist the Gaza economy.
Since the announcement, a list of controlled dual-use items was published; however, a list of items not permitted into Gaza has not been released. While construction materials have been allowed entry for some projects, the coordination procedures are heavy and cause delays in implementation, which also increases costs for humanitarian agencies. The planned expansion of commercial crossings did not take effect; rather Karni was closed in March 2011 and only one crossing is open for import and export of goods. In effect, the easing of the blockade has had only marginal positive impact in Gaza.
Access the report: UN World Food Program
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