On Tuesday, the Israeli government’s Coordinator of Activities in the Palestinian Territories (COGAT) announced that Israel will partially allow the entry of commercial goods into Gaza in an effort to reduce the region’s reliance on humanitarian aid.
COGAT stated, “As part of the mechanism being developed, the defense establishment has approved a limited number of local merchants, subject to specific criteria and stringent security oversight.”
Israel has been engaged in a conflict with Hamas for the past 22 months and imposed a complete blockade on Gaza as of March 2. This blockade was partially lifted in May to allow the private organization “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,” supported by the United States, to establish food distribution centers.
Last month, aid convoys and aerial drops from various Arab and European countries resumed amidst warnings from UN experts about the potential for famine in the region.
According to COGAT’s statement, payments for goods delivered will be conducted through monitored bank transfers, and shipments will undergo inspections by the Israeli military before entering Gaza “to prevent any interference by the terrorist organization Hamas” in the process.
The newly permitted goods include essential food items, fruits, vegetables, baby formula, and healthcare products.