[A-List] Fwd: Israel bans books, music and clothes from entering Gaza

[Suzanne de Kuyper]

One of the primary rules for survival is to never take the conditions of
harassment personally.   Extrapolating this rule to the approved list of
allowed imports into Gaza gives a fascinating
picture of the harasser, Israel.   Check out the disapproved items and make
a list of words and feelings you associate with each item.    When you are
through, you will have a human picture of Israel from what it needs you not
to obtain.   It is a deeply ill nation.  The more Palestine realizes about
it, the better for Palestine's survival.   Palestine's survival is the only
thing that will save ancient Israel, ancient Judaism.   suzanne



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sid Shniad <shniad at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 3, 2010 at 6:23 PM
Subject: Israel bans books, music and clothes from entering Gaza
To:


http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/amira-hass-israel-bans-books-music-and-clothes-from-entering-gaza-1.276147

Haaretz
17.05.09
Israel bans books, music and clothes from entering Gaza Merchants are
forbidden from importing anything not listed as food, medicine, or
detergent. By Amira Hass<http://www.haaretz.com/misc/writers/amira-hass-1.278>
  <http://www.haaretz.com/meta/Tag/Gaza>

Israel allows only food, medicine and detergent into the Gaza Strip.
Thousands of items, including vital products for everyday activity, are
forbidden.

Altogether only 30 to 40 select commercial items are now allowed into the
Gaza Strip, compared to 4,000 that had been approved before the closure
Israel imposed on Gaza following the abduction of Gilad Shalit, according to
merchants and human rights activists.

The number of items changes according to what is determined by The
Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. COGAT has refused
the PA representative's request for an updated list of the items permitted
into Gaza in writing, and passes the information only via the telephone.

Gaza merchants are forbidden to import canned goods, plastic sheeting, toys
and books, although the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and other aid
organizations are permitted to bring them into the strip.

The few items merchants are allowed to trade in are divided into three
categories: food, medicine and detergent. Everything else is forbidden -
including building materials (which are necessary to rehabilitate Gaza's
ruins and rebuild its infrastructure), electric appliances such as
refrigerators and washing machines, spare machine and car parts, fabrics,
threads, needles, light bulbs, candles, matches, books, musical instruments,
crayons, clothing, shoes, mattresses, sheets, blankets, cutlery, crockery,
cups, glasses and animals. Many of the banned products are imported through
the tunnels and can be found in Gaza's markets.

Pasta, which had been forbidden in the past, is now allowed, after U.S.
Senator John Kerry expressed his astonishment at the ban during a visit to
Gaza in February. But tea, coffee, sausages, semolina, milk products in
large packages and most baking products are forbidden. So are industrial
commodities for manufacturing food products, chocolate, sesame seeds and
nuts. Israel does allow importing fruit, milk products in small packages and
frozen food products as well as limited amounts of industrial fuel.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that during
the first week of May, 2.2 million liters of industrial fuel - some 70
percent of the weekly supply required to operate the power station - was
allowed into Gaza. UNRWA receives petrol and diesel supplies separately. A
daily 270-300 tons of cooking gas - 54 percent of the required amount - is
allowed.

Petrol and diesel for private cars and public transportation have not been
imported from Israel since November 2, 2008, except for a small amount for
UNRWA. The union of Gaza's gas station owners estimates that some 100,000
liters of diesel and 70,000 liters of petrol are brought through the tunnels
daily.

Egypt, which in the past two months has been restricting the trade movement
through the tunnels, does not limit the supply of gas and fuel. But since
Egyptian fuel is heavier than Israeli fuel, it damages the newer cars in
Gaza and causes malfunctions.

In the past, Israel allowed wood for home furnishings to be brought into
Gaza for some time, but not wood for windows and doors. Now Israel has
resumed the ban on wood for furniture.

The ban on toilet paper, diapers and sanitary napkins was lifted three
months ago. A little more than a month ago, following a long ban, Israel
permitted the import of detergents and soaps into Gaza. Even shampoo was
allowed. But one merchant discovered that the bottles of shampoo he had
ordered were sent back because they included conditioner, which was not on
the list.

Five weeks ago Israel allowed margarine, salt and artificial sweetener to be
brought into Gaza. Legumes have been allowed for the past two months and
yeast for the past two weeks. Contrary to rumors, Israel has not banned
sugar.

COGAT commented that, "The policy of bringing commodities derives from and
is coordinated with Israel's policy toward the Gaza Strip, as determined by
the cabinet decision on September 19, 2007."

A COGAT forum convenes with representatives of international organizations
weekly to address special requests of the international community regarding
humanitarian equipment and the changing needs of the Palestinian population,
the statement says.
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