The Israeli human rights group, Gisha, has filed a court case against the state of Israel's blockade of Gaza.
Some startling findings include:
- Cinnamon is permitted, but coriander is forbidden.
- Tea and coffee are permitted, but chocolate is not.
- Mineral water is permitted, but fruit juice is forbidden.
- Canned meat and tuna are permitted, but canned fruit is forbidden.
- Tahini (Sesame seed paste) is permitted, but jam is forbidden.
Other forbidden goods are childrens' plastic toys, and textiles, among other things ...
A document analyzing the caloric intake by age and sex of Gaza's 1.5 million inhabitants was unveiled in the court case too.
Here is a full list of currently blocked items.
It is clear that the blockade is arbitrary, and change over time to make it hard for aid agencies, merchants to plan what is allowed and what is not.
No wonder the tunnel trade across Egypt's border has flourished and carries everything from cows to luxury cars.
The bottom line is that it is a method for collective punishment of 1.5 million Palestinians, for the few Hamas supporters among them.
More on BBC: Details of Gaza blockade revealed in court case.
Comments
Khalid
Some items now permitted
Wed, 2010/06/09 - 11:36After the blunder of the Gaza flotilla raid by Israel, now certain items are permitted.
A Palestinian source was quoted saying that now soda, juice, jam, spices, shaving cream, chips, cookies and sweets are allowed.
More confirmation that the blockade was arbitrary and designed to inconvenience and punish, rather than prevent items that are a security risk.