Israel will allow the entry of goods into the civilian sector of the Gaza Strip for the first time in over a year.
The Civil Administration for the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an organization under the Israeli Ministry of Defense responsible for Palestinian affairs, announced on August 5 (local time) that "a plan to gradually resume the controlled entry of goods into the civilian sector of the Gaza Strip has been approved, following the cabinet's decision to expand the scope of humanitarian aid."
COGAT explained, "The goal is to reduce reliance on the United Nations and international organizations for the delivery of relief supplies, while simultaneously increasing the amount of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip."
The items permitted for civilian distribution this time include basic foodstuffs, baby formula, fruits and vegetables, and hygiene products. Only a limited number of local merchants who meet specified criteria and pass security screenings will be allowed to distribute these goods. COGAT emphasized, "All payments for goods will be made exclusively through bank transfers under strict supervision, and all goods will undergo thorough inspections," adding, "We will take every measure to prevent Hamas from intervening in the distribution process."
This is the first time in approximately ten months since October last year that goods are being allowed into the civilian sector of the Gaza Strip. Regarding the suspension of goods entry at that time, the Israeli court explained, "There is evidence that the Hamas terrorist organization diverts imported goods to strengthen its economic and military capabilities."
Last month, Israel decided to airdrop relief supplies and implement temporary ceasefires to facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid. This came amid growing international criticism that the hunger crisis had intensified after the distribution of aid to the Gaza Strip was centralized under the American organization Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) at the end of May.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
