Israel bans furniture exports from besieged Gaza

Israeli authorities yesterday banned the export of furniture products from the occupied Gaza Strip.

The economic ministry said in a statement that the Israeli move aimed at “inflicting more losses on the enclave’s industries that have been suffering due to the blockade.”

The ministry added that it was in talks with the private sector on “stopping exports through the Karm Abu Salem [Kerem Shalom] border crossing to put pressure on Israel to reopen furniture exports.”

It held Israel responsible for the “imminent losses in the furniture industry,” warning that the latter would lead to “job losses for hundreds of Palestinian workers.”

The ministry called on the international community “to pressure Israel to allow freedom of import and export without restrictions so that the different industries in Gaza can prosper and overcome challenges resulted from the blockade.”

READ: Why did Israel lose deterrence against Palestine Resistance in Gaza?