Israel discretely increases number of entry permits for Gaza workers
Israel has increased the number of entry permits for Gaza laborers, after years of demands from farmers in the south of Israel.
Under cover of political and other events, without any fanfare or official announcements, Israel has coordinated with Hamas to increase the number of entry permits granted to Palestinians in Gaza. The additional 2,000 permits appear to be meant for Palestinian laborers, under the guise of “traders.”
This is the first time since Hamas mounted a military coup in June 2007 and took control of Gaza that Israel has taken such a significant step in terms of improving the Gaza economy. While the numbers are still relatively small and will not make a drastic economic change to the enclave’s 2 million residents, it’s a start.
