This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
In May 2012, two border crossings operated - Karm abu Salem for goods and Erez for pedestrians. Both face severe restrictions. Traffic is curtailed. Karm abu Salem operates at a fraction of its capacity.
About 570 truckloads daily are required to supply basic needs. In April, Israel allowed only 149 passage rights. Around one-fourth of what's needed got through.
Exports are greatly restricted. Amounts fluctuate monthly. In January, around 3% of pre-2007 levels were permitted. February, March, and April amounts dropped.
Longer waiting times were imposed for goods and pedestrians. Perishable goods are affected. Costs increase. Bureaucratic red tape harms humanitarian efforts.
Permit permission takes more time for approval. International organizations can't function properly. Costs are excessively high. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) said it's paying an extra $4 million.
Moreover, goods must be placed on pallets. Containers aren't allowed. Amounts shipped are affected. When emergencies arise, aid groups can't respond properly. Approvals take months to arrange.
Around 19% of UN projects wait on average 17 months for approval. Moreover, since September 2011, no UNOPS ones were approved. Humanitarian efforts are challenged.
The World Food Program also reported difficulties supplying Gaza's essential needs. Israel's closure policy bears full responsibility. Agencies say cost issues and inordinate delays impede them.
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
1
