Israeli occupation authorities have banned, for the 19th day in a row, the entry of basic goods and humanitarian aid, via Kerem Shalom crossing, the sole commercial crossing with Gaza, MP Jamal al-Khudari, head of the People’s Committee to Face the Siege, stated on Sunday.
Khudari said that the most recent truck was loaded with thousands of daily-needed basic goods, in addition to raw materials for industry, building materials, clothing, textiles, wood, household items, stationery and other essentials.
Al-Khudari said, in a press statement, that this prohibition is causing the Palestinian economy, which is already deteriorating due to the blockade, and Israeli policies, direct and indirect losses of millions of dollars.
He pointed out, according to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency, that these trucks, carrying the basic goods for the survival , cost more than $60 million, are subject to multiple risks because of the occupation.
Al-Khudari reiterated that the impact of this ban will lead to a rapid collapse of the industrial and commercial sector, and the collapse of all services, as a result.
He pointed out that the current figures of poverty and unemployment are the highest in the world, and no one can know where it leads, under the Israeli blockade against 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, which amounts to collective punishment and flagrant violation of international law.
He explained that the goods are officially bought and imported, and have all the approvals to pass through ports and commercial crossings, but the occupation hinders and returns them after their arrival to the crossing, causing heavy losses to owners, as the goods are stored for long periods of time, and are subject to serious damage due to lack of timely arrival.
He called on the international community to exert pressure on Israeli occupation authorities to stop its collective punishment measures against the people of Gaza, which is considered a violation under international law.
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