Gaza imports
The import of goods into the Gaza Strip is restricted because of the blockade of the Gaza Strip by Egypt and Israel. Israel allows humanitarian supplies from aid organizations, including UN agencies, into the Gaza Strip. As of May 2010, they have brought in, according to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories of the Israel Defense Forces, 1.5 million liters of diesel fuel and gasoline, fruits and vegetables, wheat, sugar, meat, chicken and fish products, dairy products, animal feed, hygiene products, clothing and shoes. Background After Hamas won the 2006 election for the Palestinian Legislative Council, Israel and Egypt tightened the closure of Gaza's borders. Israel says the reason for the restrictions on import of goods into the Gaza Strip is to pressure Hamas, which does not recognise Israel and backs attacks on its citizens. Construction materials including metal pipes, steel and cement are regulated, because they can be used for building rockets and in constructing underground bunkers and tunnels. In September 2007, after an intensification of Qassam rocket attacks, Israel declared Gaza "hostile territory," and Israel began to monitor the supply of electricity, fuel, and other supplies into Gaza. The objective was to pressure Hamas into stopping