Publication
Omar Shaban Ismail · صحيفة محلية · 2007
A 2007 article analyzing the economic and humanitarian dimensions of the Israeli siege on Gaza following Hamas's takeover, assessing its impact on the Gaza economy, citizens, and infrastructure.
A 2007 article analyzing the economic and humanitarian dimensions of the Israeli siege on Gaza following Hamas's takeover, assessing its impact on the Gaza…
In the wake of Hamas's takeover of Gaza in June 2007, Israel imposed a comprehensive siege that fundamentally reshaped the economic and humanitarian reality for approximately one and a half million Palestinians. In practical terms, the siege means the restriction of movement of goods, persons, and services through the various crossings and through Gaza's sea and air access points.
The economic dimensions of the siege: near-total collapse of the trade and industry sectors that constituted the backbone of Gaza's economy. Shutdown of thousands of industrial and commercial establishments due to the absence of raw materials, goods, and production supplies. Sharp rise in unemployment and poverty rates. Destruction of Gaza's agricultural and industrial export system that had constituted important revenue streams.
The humanitarian dimensions: the proportion of families dependent on humanitarian aid reaching unprecedented levels. Deterioration of the healthcare and education service systems due to supply and personnel shortages. Limited access to food, medicine, and energy. The siege constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and demands urgent international pressure for its lifting — pressure that the international community has, to its enduring shame, failed to exercise.
Topic: Gaza Economy — Gaza Economy · Economic Impact · Humanitarian Crisis · Israeli Siege · Gaza Strip