GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israel’s July 1 decision took the Palestinian dairy and meat producers by surprise, as it prohibits the export of their products to East Jerusalem as of Aug. 1, without explaining why.

The decision, which was printed on a large banner next to the West Bank-Jerusalem Qalandia crossing that Palestinian cargo trucks use, was issued by the Israeli Ministry of Health and State Veterinary Services and Animal Health. The Palestinian government parties are yet to be officially notified of the decision. 

Speaking to Voice of Palestine Radio July 1, Minister of National Economy Khalid al-Assaily said that a similar decision targeting Israeli products would be taken by the Palestinian government if the Israeli decision enters into force. 

In July 2010 and March 2016, Israel banned five Palestinian companies — Hamoda Group, Al-Rayyan Dairy, Al-Junidi Dairies, Salwa Food Industry and Siniora Food Industries — from bringing their products into East Jerusalem. The Palestinian government responded by banning five Israeli companies, including Tnuva, Tara Dairy and Strauss Group, from bringing their products on the Palestinian market.