Jerusalem- Israel's foreign ministry released figures relating to the transfer of humanitarian supplies into the Hamas ruled Gaza Strip this week in an attempt to deflect some of the negative publicity the country has received over its decision to keep an international aid flotilla out of Gaza. Flotilla organizers have stated that their intention is to break what they term the Israeli siege of Gaza.

 

"In a typical week, 15,000 tons of supplies enter Gaza. Truckloads of meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, milk powder, baby food, wheat and other staples arrive in Gaza on a daily basis," stated ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor. "Building materials are also shipped in, when monitored by International organization so as not to be commandeered by Hamas for the fortification of bunkers."

 

250 tons of cement were transferred to Gaza through Israel on Monday for use in a UN housing project.

 

Israel carefully monitors the importation of such dual use materials as concrete, which was used by Hamas to build a series of fortified tunnels and bunkers used by the terror group during the 2009 conflict.

 

While large quantities of humanitarian supplies are allowed in on a weekly basis, building materials are severely restricted. Hamas has confiscated quantities of cement from previous shipments intended for civilian use. "Hamas is in desperate need of cement to rebuild its bunker systems and bases. This is why it is so complicated to transfer cement to Gaza even if it is intended for civilian purposes," an Israeli defense official said in 2009.

 

As a result, three quarters of the damage from the 2009 Gaza war have not yet been repaired says the UN.

 

The Israelis assert that since January 2009, over a million tons of humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza from Israel – almost a ton for every person in the Strip. According to the foreign ministry, more supplies enter Gaza from Israel on a weekly basis than are being carried by the flotilla which has been months in the making.

 

"If the organizers were truly interesting in providing humanitarian aid - as opposed to engaging in publicity stunts - they would use the proper channels to ensure delivery of any supplies," Palmor said.