Israeli blockade of Hams-ruled Gaza Strip at heart of flotilla crisis

Israeli blockade of Gaza at heart of crisis

JERUSALEM — Israel’s blockade of Gaza is at the center of the crisis following the bloody raid on the Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid supplies and pro-Palestinian activists. Here are some aspects of the blockade:

—When: Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after the Islamic militant Hamas violently overran the Gaza Strip in June 2007.

—Why: Israel considers Hamas a terror group responsible for firing thousands of rockets at Israel and carrying out dozens of suicide terror attacks. Egypt is concerned that Hamas’ strict Islamic message could boost Muslim radicals in Egypt.

—Goal: Keeping weaponry away from Hamas. Also, Israel expected that hardship caused by the blockade would weaken support for Hamas among the people of Gaza.

—What’s allowed in: Israel transfers an average of 15,000 tons of humanitarian supplies a week into Gaza, including basic food, clothing, footwear and limited quantities of building supplies.

—What’s banned: Weapons and explosives; cement, iron and steel, fertilizer and other products Israel believes Hamas could use to strengthen its fortifications or make explosives; items considered “luxuries.”

—Results: Hamas has institutionalized a system of smuggling tunnels under the Gaza-Egypt border to bring in weapons, explosives, some building materials and consumer products. Support for Hamas has not lessened, as Gazans blame Israel for hardships. International demands that Israel lift the blockade were increasing even before the flotilla raid.