GAZA – Did you know that Gaza has a long list
of prohibited products, and Israel has sole control over what goods are allowed
or banned from entering the Strip? This control began with the blockade imposed
by the occupation in 2006 and strengthened in 2007.
اضافة اعلان
For over 15 years, the occupation forces have
strictly controlled individuals and goods entering and leaving Gaza, a
situation that intensified after the Islamic Resistance Movement
"Hamas" won elections and assumed power. The blockade has impacted
both the movement of people and goods, with a constantly changing list of
prohibited products in Gaza, Al-Ghad reported
In 2010, the number of banned goods increased
significantly, with seemingly arbitrary items such as coriander, jam,
chocolate, fried potatoes, dried fruits, fabrics, notebooks, empty flower pots,
and toys being prevented from entering Gaza. The Israeli Ministry of Defense
cited security reasons for these bans, refusing to disclose specific
justifications.
The list of prohibited products varies and is
not officially verified by Israeli authorities. Organizations like Gisha rely
on information from merchants, international organizations, and the Palestinian
Coordination Committee to deduce what is allowed or prohibited based on their
experiences in seeking permission to bring goods into Gaza.
In 2018, even necessities like baby bottles,
diapers, soap, and wedding dresses were added to the list of prohibited items.
According to the head of the Popular Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza,
Israel's restrictions have led to the closure of 80 percent of factories in
Gaza, pushing its economy to the brink of collapse.
In 2008, a document titled "Food Consumption in the Gaza Strip - Red Lines" revealed the Israeli Ministry of Health's estimate of the minimum calories an individual in Gaza needs. This raised concerns about an economic war aiming to paralyze Gaza's economy and pressure the Hamas government.
The arbitrary nature of these restrictions is
further highlighted by incidents like the confiscation of 23 tons of chocolate
bars in 2021, ostensibly for supporting Hamas. Over the years, Israel has
imposed bans on diverse items, from the green necks of tomatoes to books,
crayons, cups, candles, sheets, glasses, cutlery, pasta, tea, coffee, semolina,
nuts, large dairy products, electrical appliances, musical instruments,
utensils, pottery, needles, shoes, car parts, and wood.
In 2008, a document titled "Food
Consumption in the Gaza Strip - Red Lines" revealed the Israeli Ministry
of Health's estimate of the minimum calories an individual in Gaza needs. This
raised concerns about an economic war aiming to paralyze Gaza's economy and
pressure the Hamas government.
Despite claims that the document was a draft,
an Israeli official admitted that some decisions behind product bans were
irrational. In 2009, books were initially banned, along with various everyday
items, but some were later allowed after international expressions of surprise.
Coriander was again prohibited in 2016,
alongside items like chocolate, fruits, children's toys, toilet paper, and
notebooks, categorized as "luxuries." Israel's list of prohibited
products also includes items classified as "dual-use," which can have
civilian applications but may be used in developing weapons or military
equipment. The introduction of these items is considered non-negotiable by
Israel, citing potential harm to Tel Aviv's security.
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