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Israel/Palestine

An Absurd Solution

The Israelis know about the existence of the tunnels, now in plain sight. Despite their ban of commercial goods, they know that the vast majority of trade with Gaza now goes underground. They have bombed them from the air several times in recent weeks, usually, but not always, following the launch of notoriously inaccurate Qassam rockets by militants from inside Gaza.

The Egyptians, too, clearly know about the tunnels, and low-level Egyptian police must surely be getting a share of the profits. But there is no tax revenue for Egypt, nor for Gaza, or even Israel, who charges an exorbitant flat rate of 1,000 USD on every consignment that ‘legally’ enters Gaza, regardless of the contents or value.

One way traffic

And perhaps most tragically, all the commercial traffic through the tunnels goes one way. Unemployment is upwards of 80 percent, and the majority of these persons are 100% reliant on aid for survival.

Whilst Gaza used to support a vibrant export of agricultural produce to Israel, as well as a healthy production for domestic consumption, the closures have put an end to that. During the month of April the only commercial traffic allowed outside of Gaza was a total 5 trucks carrying carnation flowers, thanks primarily to the mediation of the Dutch representation in the occupied territories.

While the supply of commercial and humanitarian goods into Gaza is essential, perhaps what they need even more at this point is the chance to send something out.