Crossings at Erez in September was lowest monthly total in 2016

The number of crossings in September at the Israeli-controlled Erez checkpoint in the northern Gaza Strip fell to a new low for the year, according to newly-published data from the United Nations.

There were 12,139 total crossings during September, a figure 18 per cent below the monthly average for 2016, and the lowest monthly total this year to date. The monthly average in 2015 was 15,027.

A mere 56 per cent of permits for business people were approved during September, including the renewal of permits, while more than 36 per cent of permits for medical referrals were denied or remained pending.

Meanwhile, the denial rate for national UN staff from Gaza stood at 41.3 per cent.

The number of goods entering Gaza via the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing also fell in September (9,098 truckloads), compared to the previous month (11,928 truckloads).

This volume of imports represents a 11 per cent decrease compared to the 2016 monthly average.

During September, a total of 152 truckloads of goods for sale exited Gaza, a seven per cent decrease compared to the monthly average since the beginning of 2016. In 2005, the monthly average was 777.