MEMO to The Observer
RE Article: Gaza builders lead economic recovery - with some help from the black market
Dear Editor,
In her article about the "mini-boom" in the construction industry in the Gaza Strip, Harriet Sherwood claimed that building materials are being "illegally imported" through the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt (Gaza builders lead economic recovery - with some help from the black market, 22 January). This begs the question, "Illegally" according to whom? The Israelis who are imposing the illegal and immoral collective punishment of the people of Gaza through their blockade? America and Europe which back Israel? Egypt? As has been reported in the past, the elected Hamas government in Gaza collects taxes on tunnel goods, so even the Observer headline's mention of "the black market" is inaccurate, suggesting further that in trying to lead normal lives Palestinians in Gaza have to resort to illegal activity. Harriet Sherwood herself described the tunnels in 2009 and 2010 as "Gaza's lifeline"; give the Palestinians a break; they need all the help that they can get, and illegality has nothing to do with it.
Ibrahim Hewitt
Senior Editor,
Middle East Monitor