MP Jamal al-Khudari the head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege on Monday said that Israel has banned the entry of about 200 kinds of goods needed by the industrial and commercial sectors into the Gaza Strip.
Al-Khudari said in press statements that lifting the ban on these items is a key requirement to revive Gaza’s economy which is gravely affected by the 12-year-long blockade.
He noted that raw materials which are much needed for the industry are among the items banned from entering the Gaza Strip via Karam Abu Salem crossing the only Gaza crossing that is partially open.
The significant decline in the production process has adversely affected the economy and led to unprecedentedly high rates of poverty and unemployment he added.
Al-Khudari said that about 85% of Gaza factories are closed either partially or completely pointing out that the industrial and commercial sectors have so far suffered a $50-million loss.
The Palestinian MP stressed that any solution aimed at reviving Gaza’s economy and creating job opportunities should include full opening of Gaza crossings and free import and export of goods without Israeli restrictions.
Given the presence of over 250000 jobless Palestinians in the Gaza Strip he said the enclave needs at least $25 million a month to start emergency projects that would provide jobs for about 50000 workers as a first stage of economic recovery.
