What goods does Israel bar from the Gaza Strip? The Economist

[grassfed]

ATTENTION is again focused on Gaza after Israeli troops stormed ships that were carrying aid to the strip on May 31st, killing at least nine people. Since 2006 Israel has limited the import of various goods to the Hamas-controlled territory to a “humanitarian minimum”, though there is no official list for traders to observe. Instead, Israel makes decisions on a case-by-case basis, which has resulted in an odd assortment of prohibited items, as detailed by Gisha, an Israeli human-rights organisation. Newspapers, tea, A4 paper and chocolate are among the items that have at one point been barred.



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Israel's policy was summed up by Dov Weisglass, an adviser to Ehud Olmert, the Israeli Prime Minister, earlier this year. 'The idea is to put the Palestinians ON A DIET, but not to make them die of hunger,' he said.

[tsuki]

1. I read chocolate is on the prohibited list, and wondered why? nt

[John Q. Citizen]

3. Because the king says so.

[ZombieHorde]

2. That is so fucked up. What is the defense for this? nt

[provis99]

7. It is deliberately arbitrary

Sort of a "we've got you by the balls, so we can make you do stupid things" type of deal.

[Arrowhead2k1]

9. In the Israelis demented little minds, they think

that collectively punishing the entire population of Gaza will turn them against their own Hamas government.

Apparently, it's not a very effective tactic though. It might just be emboldening their support for Hamas to boot.

[aquart]

12. "Demented little minds"

As opposed to the largeness of understanding on view here, of course.

[aquart]

11. None. It's just mean.

Nobody tells me I can't have ginger.

[housewolf]

4. So the Gazans are not allowed to grow, produce or constrcut anything

It looks like the intent is to wear them down by making them totally dependent on Israels so-called "good will".

[Chulanowa]

6. +100

You've got it, right on the dot

[aquart]

13. Nah. It's just revenge.

These people have absolutely no good will for each other.

[backscatter712]

14. Yep, that's it. Maximize dependency.

They can't get livestock, but they can import frozen meat.

They can't get canned goods (which keep forever) but they can get fresh fruit and frozen food (which lasts until Israel cuts the power into Gaza, causing everyone's food to spoil...

See the pattern?

[Igel]

16. They actually grow quite a bit.

Surprising, for the size of their territory.

In fact, far from not growing anything, a common complaint is that they're not allowed to export their produce.

Construction is harder, some materials still get in, but some they produce on their own. Not nearly enough. But the wealthy and connected find a way to have well-stocked markets, build fairly nice homes and restaurants, and generally show that they're wealthy and connected.

[madrchsod]

5. one of the reasons for the sea blockade is fishing...

the fishermen of gaza are prohibited from fishing in their coastal waters. that`s why fishing gear is prohibited. the waters off of gaza has natural gas and oil deposits. gaza also had aquifers but it`s not known if they are ruined by the destruction of the water and sewage plants. throw in the vast archaeological sites that have`t been touched.

genocide by a thousand cuts

[azurnoir]

8. Its the spices that truly show just how nonsensical this is

cinnamon but not ginger, aniseed but not nutmeg :wtf:

[Chulanowa]

10. No kidding. Aniseseed but not coriander

So licorice sticks are okay, but salsa is right out.

And pesticides and fertilizer are allowed in? While Israel is claiming this is to prevent terrorists from getting supplies? Jibbawasayhuh?

[Ignis]

17. Why are you shilling for the International Coriander Coalition?

Don't you know how dangerous that shit is?!

[frylock]

15. kick