37 NGOs active in Gaza they would have to cease all operations within 60 days<\/a>, unless they hand over detailed information on their Palestinian staff.<\/p>\nDiplomats and humanitarian officials have said that stopping the work of the NGOs listed would have catastrophic consequences and put Palestinian lives at risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe EU has been clear: the NGO registration law cannot be implemented in its current form,\u201d the EU humanitarian chief, Hadja Lahbib, posted on social media. \u201cIHL [international humanitarian law] leaves no room for doubt: aid must reach those in need.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality is that the commercial sector can bring in what it wants 1767257005,\u201d said Rose. \u201cItems not approved for humanitarian organisations, such as generators, are available commercially. So we have a two-tier system, which is undermining the UN-led system, which Israel is required to support as per international law.\u201d<\/p>\n
US forces deployed to the CMCC arrived in October prepared to launch a major logistics effort to get aid supplies into Gaza.<\/p>\n
They were surprised and confused to find the biggest challenge was political, and began clashing with Israeli counterparts over some of the restrictions almost immediately, said multiple sources briefed on meetings at the base.<\/p>\n
An early confrontation was over tent poles. Shelter is a critical need as winter sets in because Israeli attacks have destroyed nine out of 10 Palestinian homes, but Israel deems metal tent poles needed for sturdy winter-proof tents \u201cdual use\u201d.<\/p>\n
US officers at the CMCC rapidly drew up a list of at least a dozen key humanitarian items they wanted removed from the dual-use list, with tent poles near the top. Weeks later Israel has not lifted restrictions on any of them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is clearly not security interests that are driving decision-making here,\u201d said one western source. \u201cThe dual-use list is just another way to control what enters Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n
Restrictions on the type and quantity of goods allowed into Gaza long preceded the current war. Israel withdrew troops and settlers from the territory in 2005 but maintained effective control of the borders and used that to impose a blockade.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has always been a form of control over the wellbeing of the population,\u201d said the Gisha director, Hary. \u201cWhether that\u2019s the bare minimum of humanitarian standards we are looking at now, or in previous years in terms of economic life, construction, industry, development in technology and agriculture and innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The dual-use list, which requires a security assessment and permits to import items to Gaza, has been a particular concern since it was introduced.<\/p>\n
It is sweeping in its scope, secret until an item is rejected and has been imposed arbitrarily. Older versions obtained by Gisha through legal action include categories such as \u201ccommunications equipment\u201d \u2013 so broad it could cover most modern electronics.<\/p>\n
Items barred on dual-use grounds over the last two years include solar panels, smoke detectors, crutches, wheelchairs and walkers.<\/p>\n
Aid groups have collaborated to compile an unofficial list of rejected items in an effort to limit the amount of time and money spent applying to import things that are unlikely to get approval. But it is time consuming.<\/p>\n
International pressure on Israel over the dual-use list has also flagged over the last two years, and even with the creation of the CMCC.<\/p>\n
Diplomats are concerned about spiralling violence in the West Bank and uncertainty about long-term plans for Gaza\u2019s reconstruction, as aid groups are negotiating possible de-registration by Israel.<\/p>\n
The dual-use list is not the only bureaucratic obstacle limiting the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Some items are banned because Israel has decided they don\u2019t address urgent humanitarian needs.<\/p>\n
This category includes paper and pencils to restart schools after two years without education for 600,000 children, and frozen beef and mutton to feed a malnourished population. Aid organisations have been limited to chicken while commercial traders have been able to bring in all kinds of meat.<\/p>\n
The limited number of crossings into Gaza and their hours of operation, as well as delays approving routes for convoys inside the territory \u2013 which is vital to ensuring they do not come under Israeli attack \u2013 all serve to slow the entry of vital supplies.<\/p>\n
Overall flows of aid into Gaza are well below levels agreed under the ceasefire, data provided by the Israeli military and analysed by the Associated Press<\/a> showed.<\/p>\nFood shipments have increased enough to stave off famine, but hunger is still widespread, UN-backed food security experts said last week<\/a>. About 1.6 million people were expected to face \u201ccrisis\u201d levels of hunger in the next four months and if the ceasefire broke down, the territory could slip back into famine.<\/p>\nWinter weather and lack of shelter are exacerbating the impact of long-term malnutrition, particularly on young children. At least three have been killed by hypothermia this month, the UN said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
#Israel #allowing #traders #bring #Gaza #dualuse #items #barred #aid #organisations #Gaza<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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