Gazans unimpressed by Flotilla

[henank]

Israel has been claiming for quite some time that the desire to break through the blockade on the Gaza Strip is devoid of any basis since it is possible to transfer essential goods to Gaza through the monitored crossings. This claim received unexpected reinforcement on Thursday from none other than the Gazans themselves. In a conversation with Ynet Palestinian businessmen expressed veiled criticism saying that the flotilla organizers were missing their target since the main problem wasn't getting goods into Gaza – but exporting them outside of the strip.

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The Gisha movement has criticized both the flotilla organizers and Israel over their remarks and claim that they are misleading. "Gaza doesn't need anymore humanitarian aid. There is only one way to allow Gaza residents long term economic development while maintaining Israel's legitimate security needs and that is a removal of the sweeping limitations on transfer of goods subject to individual security checks," said Sari Bashi the Director of Gisha.

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Dangot noted that Israel is working in coordination with EU and Palestinian representatives to export produce like potatoes and tomatoes to Jordan and that the preparation work will soon be completed and exports will commence.

He stressed that in the past year Israel enabled the export of dozens of tons of flowers and hundreds of tons of fruits and vegetables from the Gaza Strip to European markets. According to Dangot, the exports ceased because it was the end of the season and due to the fact that some of the produce failed to adhere to European standards.

Gaza and Gisha unimpressed by flotilla