Israeli blockade of Hams-ruled Gaza Strip at heart of flotilla crisis

Israeli blockade of Gaza at heart of crisis

Israel’s blockade of Gaza is at the center of the crisis following the bloody raid on the Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid supplies and pro-Palestinian activists. Here are some aspects of the blockade:

—When: Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after the Islamic militant group Hamas violently overran the Gaza Strip in June 2007.

—Why: Israel considers Hamas a terrorist group responsible for firing thousands of rockets at Israel and carrying out dozens of suicide attacks. Egypt is concerned that Hamas’ strict Islamic message could boost Muslim radicals in Egypt.

—Goal: Keeping weaponry away from Hamas and weaken public support for the group. Israel also wants to pressure Hamas to release a captured Israeli soldier it has held for four years.

—What’s allowed in: Israel transfers an average of 15,000 tons of humanitarian supplies a week into Gaza, including basic food, clothing, footwear and limited quantities of building supplies.

—What’s banned: Weapons and explosives; cement, iron and steel, fertilizer and other products Israel believes Hamas could use to strengthen its fortifications or make explosives; items considered “luxuries” like chocolate and spices; raw materials that factories need to operate, like empty cans for tomato paste.

—What’s not allowed out: People and exports. Egypt only sporadically opens its passenger crossing with Gaza, generally for about three or four days every six weeks, making it extremely difficult for residents to leave. Priority is given to medical patients and students studying abroad. It is extremely difficult for ordinary residents to leave Gaza. With few exceptions, Israel bans exports.

—Results: Gaza residents have institutionalized a system of smuggling tunnels under the Gaza-Egypt border to bring in consumer goods, fuel and building materials. Tunnels operated by Hamas loyalists are also believed to bring in weapons and cash. Hamas taxes the tunnel trade to boost its coffers. More than 100,000 jobs have been wiped out in Gaza and poverty has deepened. Support for Hamas has not lessened, as Gazans blame Israel for hardships. International demands that Israel lift the blockade were increasing even before the flotilla raid.