Sunday October 20, 2013, the Israeli Authorities refused to allow 120 trucks, loaded with construction material, into the Gaza Strip as they tried to cross through the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) terminal between Gaza and Israel. Palestinian Legislator, Jamal Al-Khodary, stated that preventing construction materials from entering Gaza means denying thousands of workers any chance of earning a living, and is costing the Gaza Strip significant loses as it is also obstructing vital projects, the Palestine News Network (PNN) has reported.
He added that the list of supplies Israel refuses to allow into Gaza is long, and includes construction materials of different sorts, and added that Israel is also preventing the Palestinians in Gaza from exporting their goods and produce, an issue that constitutes collective punishment that violates international Law.
“This is collective punishment against the Palestinians”, he said, “This is part of the ongoing escalation against Gaza, and the siege that that continues for the seventh year”.
Al-Khodary also said that Israel, as an occupying power, must abide by international laws and regulations, and should open all terminals leading to Gaza to allow Freedom of Movement of people and goods.
