Gaza (UNA/WAFA) – The Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the Gaza Strip announced the collapse of the economic system in the Strip and a 527% increase in prices due to the blockade imposed by the Israeli occupation and the prevention of the entry of goods and aid.
The chambers said in a statement issued by them and read by the head of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aed Abu Ramadan, during a press conference on Sunday, regarding the disastrous repercussions of the continued closure of the crossings and the devastation of the Palestinian economy, that the Gaza Strip is witnessing catastrophic humanitarian and economic conditions, in light of the continued complete closure of the crossings by the Israeli occupation, for the fifty-ninth consecutive day, with no signs of an imminent breakthrough.
The statement added that this deliberate closure has deprived more than two million people of essential relief aid, leading to severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, amid an unprecedented deterioration in health and living conditions across the Strip.
The statement noted that this comes in parallel with the continued complete ban on private sector trucks entering the country, which has led to a near-total paralysis of economic activity, halted import and export operations, disrupted supply chains, and led to unprecedented increases in the prices of basic commodities, at a time when citizens are suffering from extremely harsh living conditions and a complete lack of purchasing power.
The Chamber of Commerce emphasized that what is happening in Gaza today is deliberate starvation and deprivation of water, used as a weapon against civilians en masse, in flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, most notably the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the use of collective punishment and the deprivation of civilians of their basic needs.
The statement explained that the Israeli blockade has had catastrophic and unprecedented repercussions on all aspects of life in the Gaza Strip, causing a near-total paralysis in commercial activity and the disruption of import and export operations, leading to the depletion of basic commodities and a sharp rise in the prices of those that remain. According to studies conducted by the Gaza Chamber of Commerce, the price index for basic commodities rose by 527% last week compared to what it was before the closure, which began in October 2023.
He pointed to the lack of food security and the complete collapse of its system, as a result of the ongoing disruption of the entry of commercial goods, aid, and food supplies, and the prevention of farmers and fishermen from carrying out their work.
He pointed to the deteriorating health of the general population and the rising rates of malnutrition, particularly among children, the sick, and the elderly. He also noted the worsening of chronic health conditions due to reliance on limited, nutritionally poor meals, such as canned food, and unsafe drinking water, in the absence of alternatives.
The statement emphasized the catastrophic collapse of the entire economic system, as a result of the tight blockade and the ban on the entry of raw materials, fuel, and production supplies, in addition to the denial of access to agricultural land and the disruption of fishing activities. It explained that this complete paralysis has affected all productive and commercial sectors, led to the closure of hundreds of factories, farms, and facilities, and the layoff of tens of thousands of workers.
Consequently, according to the statement, the living conditions have reached a critical stage, with unemployment rates rising to more than 85%, poverty rates exceeding 90%, and a complete lack of any source of income that would guarantee a minimum standard of living.
The chambers of commerce stressed that this collapse not only threatens the present economy, but also portends a long-term social and humanitarian catastrophe.
The statement noted that the blockade imposed by the occupation has caused a stifling crisis in the provision of fuel, gas, and electricity, impacting health facilities, water stations, service facilities, and transportation. It has also directly impacted citizens' lives and forced many private sector institutions to cease operations.
He addressed the profound social and psychological impacts resulting from the lack of job opportunities and deteriorating living conditions, especially in light of the near-total disruption of services, education, and healthcare.
The statement added that the Chambers of Commerce in the Gaza Strip, as representatives of the private sector and the voice of the national economy, affirm that what is happening constitutes systematic collective punishment that violates all international laws and conventions and aims to undermine the foundations of life in the Gaza Strip. Accordingly,
The Chambers of Commerce called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to take immediate and serious action to halt the war and end this unjust siege, and not simply issue supportive statements, despite their importance.
The chambers of commerce also called for the immediate and permanent opening of all crossings to the movement of goods and individuals, without conditions or restrictions, and for ensuring the flow of goods and humanitarian and economic needs within a clear and transparent mechanism for relief organizations and the Palestinian private sector.
It called for facilitating the entry of raw materials, industrial and medical supplies, fuel, solar energy supplies, drinking water treatment and distribution supplies, as well as machinery, construction equipment, and shelter supplies.
The Chambers of Commerce reiterated their categorical rejection of the mechanism by which private sector trucks were previously introduced, as they were subject to monopoly and extortion by unofficial entities seeking to make financial gains at the expense of citizens and merchants by imposing illegal and exaggerated fees. The Chambers emphasized that these unethical practices contribute to deepening the crisis and increasing the burden on citizens.
It also affirmed its complete rejection of the aid distribution mechanism proposed by the Israeli occupation, some details of which have been leaked, which calls for the Israeli army or private companies affiliated with it to militarize aid distribution to specific geographic areas and discriminate between beneficiaries. It reiterated its confidence in the United Nations' mechanisms for distributing aid in Gaza and around the world.
Chambers of Commerce called for concerted efforts to begin the stages of economic and societal recovery and development.
The Chambers of Commerce, as an independent body concerned with economic affairs, renewed their call to re-authorize the private sector to import trucks and to regulate the mechanism for importing goods according to a transparent and fair framework that ensures oversight and accountability, prevents exploitation, and ensures that aid and essential supplies reach those who deserve them without hindrance.
She stressed that, "Despite everything, Gaza will remain steadfast, with its people, farmers, merchants, factory and workshop owners, and with an unwavering determination and an unshakable will."
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