IDF: The Humanitarian Condition in Gaza Strip - facts and figures

Dr. Aaron Lerner
IMRA
25 May '10

Special Overview
The Humanitarian Condition in Gaza Strip
IDF Spokesperson May 2010

I. Introduction:

1. Since Hamas seized power in the Gaza Strip, it has politically institutionalized radical Islam in Gaza. Hamas, supported and funded by Iran, denies Israel's right to exist and continues to build up its weapons stockpiles so as to continue attacking the Israeli civilian population. Since 2010, 140 rockets and mortars were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip.

2. Hamas uses all means available to smuggle weaponry into Gaza. Whether they are using smuggling tunnels or fisherman boats, Hamas is constantly trying to smuggle in missiles, launchers, guns, explosives and materials for building weapons.

3. IDF operations in the Gaza Strip, including the maritime closure and crossing restrictions, arise from the need to maintain the safety of the citizens of Israel from the terrorist threat in the Gaza Strip and to prevent weapons smuggling.

4. The Ministry of Defense and the IDF allow the crossing of goods and equipment in a routine and frequent manner, and enables the transfer of people for medical, religious, welfare, business or diplomatic reasons.

5. This summary provides facts and figures, which contravene the claim of a "humanitarian crisis" in the Gaza Strip.

II. Food Products and Clothing:

1. Most types of food are allowed into the Strip, and are transferred by the private sector or by international organizations.

2. During 2009, 30,920 trucks containing 800,000 tons of supplies were transferred into Gaza. This included fruits and vegetables, meat products, poultry and fish, dairy products, sugar, rice and legumes, flour and yeast, oil, and more. Furthermore, 10,871 heads of cattle were transferred for the Muslim holidays of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.

Related article: Fancy restaurants and Olympic-size pools: What the media won’t report about Gaza

3. In the first quarter of 2010 (January-March), 94,500 tons of supplies were transferred in 3,676 trucks to the Strip: 48,000 tons of food products; 40,000 tons of wheat; 2,760 tons of rice; 1,987 tons of clothes and footwear; 553 tons of milk powder and baby food.

(Read full overview)

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