Former defense minister gives the reason for the closure: “Inertia”

Posted on October 7, 2014

In a talk given at an Institute for National Security Studies conference, former deputy prime minister, Dan Meridor, recounted what happened when he asked once what exactly was behind the closure policy. Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, Flotilla, Human rights, Movement of goods into Gaza, Movement of goods out of Gaza, Movement of people into Gaza | Leave a comment

The bittersweet story of the Al-Awda factory

Posted on September 21, 2014

For 37 years, Mohammed Tilbani, a beacon of business ingenuity and social responsibility, has been producing sweets in the Gaza Strip. This summer, his life’s work was burned to the ground after his factory was hit by Israeli artillery fire in Operation Protective Edge. His chance at renewal is Gaza’s chance. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The public’s right to know

Posted on September 10, 2014

The slow drip of information on possible changes to Gaza access policy are a reminder that we, the people of Gaza and Israel, who were under fire for 50 days, know very little about what our leaders are up to. Don’t we have a right to know what was agreed upon in Cairo that brought Operation Protective Edge to an end, and what about the other things that are up for discussion at the negotiating table? Continue reading →

Posted in General | 1 Comment

What the MFA got wrong on Gaza

Posted on August 24, 2014

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a new communique entitled “Behind the Headlines: The Myth of an Israeli Siege on Gaza”. It’s worth reviewing some of their claims. Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, Movement of goods into Gaza, Movement of goods out of Gaza, Movement of people out of Gaza, Seperation Policy | 2 Comments

Why Israel should allow construction materials to enter Gaza

Posted on August 14, 2014
Those who really want construction materials in the quantities required for building tunnels will manage to get them. Photo: Karl Schembri

Since the start of Operation Protective Edge, many people have asked us if we still believe that restrictions on the entrance of construction materials to Gaza should be lifted. Since the answer to this question is yes and since it is not obvious why to many people, we attempt here to share the answers to your questions and arguments on the subject. Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, Infrastructure, Movement of goods into Gaza | 3 Comments

The closure didn’t stop the Gaza tunnels

Posted on July 28, 2014

Although Israel has been imposing restrictions on the entrance of construction materials to Gaza since 2007, tunnels were still built. How did this happen? Shattering an illusion. Continue reading →

Posted in Infrastructure, Movement of goods into Gaza | 5 Comments

Gaza’s future: 15 facts that can’t be ignored

Posted on July 21, 2014

IsraeIi Minister of Transportation Israel Katz fantasizes about completely separating Israel and the West Bank from Gaza and he’s not alone. But reality bites and some things can’t just be wished away. Continue reading →

Posted in Adress updates, economic development, General, Movement of goods into Gaza, Movement of goods out of Gaza, Movement of people into Gaza, Movement of people out of Gaza, Seperation Policy | 1 Comment

What you need to know about Gaza

Posted on July 11, 2014

Gaza is in the news again and everyone seems to have an opinion though very few seem to know the facts. Regardless of your viewpoint, analysis and conclusions, here are some important things to know. Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, General | 3 Comments

Due to rocket fire

Posted on July 6, 2014

Until recently, Palestinians could get a permit to travel from Gaza if they had a tragedy or a wedding in the family. Today, even this is all but impossible. Why? Continue reading →

Posted in Movement of people into Gaza, Movement of people out of Gaza | Leave a comment

Building in ruins

Posted on June 12, 2014
While Israel severely limits the transfer of steel, cement and gravel, it allows supplementary materials to enter: marble, tiles, ceramics, etc. This graph, based on UNSCO reports, compares the quantity (in truckloads) of supplementary materials that entered Gaza in October 2013 to the quantity that entered in March 2014. The drop reflects the sharp decline in construction in Gaza.

Israel’s decision to prevent the transfer of construction materials to Gaza’s private sector, and severely restrict materials for international projects, is entering its ninth month. The ban has further harmed Gaza’s economy and may have a serious impact on the entire region. Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, Infrastructure, Movement of goods into Gaza | 2 Comments