2009-04-01

Israel fools mainstream press as crossings still closed


Israeli Occupation Forces IOF opened Kerem Abu Salem and Nahl Oz crossings this morning allowing miscellaneous goods, fuel, and Israeli products into Gaza Strip. Grim conditions promulgate across the besieged the strip where people cannot obtain basics.

Coordinator of the crossings committee for goods, Engineer Raed Fatouh, said that "Israel allowed only 115 trucks of humanitarian aids into Gaza Strip through Kareem Abu Salem crossing, 11 of which are sent to the World Food Organization, 91 to the private trade sector and 13 to the private agriculture sector loaded with fruit and garlic.

Israel, despite its unilateral ceasefire,  is still punishing the people. Thousands remain homeless as Israel blocks construction materials from entering Gaza. The rest of commercial crossing remained closed leaving 1.5 million in grim de facto state of hunger and poverty.

It's worth mentioning that Israel also allowed 200 tons of cooking gas, 450 liters of industrial fuel needed for the sole of Gaza power plant.

Gaza Strip is connected with the outside world through six entry points, five of which are connected with Israel. Karm Abu Salem, Sowfa, Al-Mintar and Beit Hanoun (Eretz) crossings. Rafah crossing, is connected with Egypt. Israel controls its side of the five crossings, in which complete paralysis is practiced. 

Israel doesn't permit the people to travel to or from the Strip except for extremely rare cases. It is allowed only through the Eretz crossing and only for employees of foreign establishments as well as in some acute health cases. Even in the most severe of health cases applications for crossing are refused.
It is estimated Gaza requires approximately 300 truckloads of basic supplies and food just to prevent starvation and pandemic disease. Approximately 500 truckloads of raw goods and materials are required for Palestinian businesses and civil institutions to properly function.

Israel doesn't allow transit except for basic human needs and basic food products. This extended blockade depleted stocks. Palestinian markets are scare of basic foods an unable to re-supply.

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