Israel Allows Traders to Import Dual-Use Items into Gaza Amid Restrictions on Aid Organisations
Israel operates a parallel system permitting commercial traders to bring dual-use items into Gaza that are barred for humanitarian organisations, including goods such as generators and tent poles. These items enter Gaza through private commerce and must pass through three strictly controlled Israeli checkpoints, after which they become available for sale in the Gaza market.
This creates a two-tier system where humanitarian organisations face stringent restrictions, while the private sector is able to import many dual-use items under permits, a situation that may inflate prices and foster an illicit economy. The policy is approved by Israel's political leadership and implemented by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat). Recently, some medical aid organisations have been granted permits to bring generators into Gaza.
The US Central Command commander, Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, has been briefed on these dual-use controls, though his views have not been publicly disclosed. Tania Hary of the rights group Gisha argues that the policy disproportionately strengthens certain actors while weakening others. She notes that the entry controls do not necessarily reflect inherent risk but are broad and kept secret until permits are denied.
The list of dual-use items is sweeping and has included solar panels, crutches, and wheelchairs; entry of these requires security assessments and permits. Despite these arrangements, aid flows into Gaza remain well below the levels reached at ceasefire. Approximately 1.6 million people in Gaza may face crisis-level hunger within four months, compounded by harsh winter conditions and shelter shortages. Additionally, 37 NGOs have been instructed to cease operations within 60 days unless they disclose their Palestinian staff.
