Drivers close Gaza border crossing to protest new fees
The only commercial crossing into the Gaza Strip has been closed by truck drivers in protest of increased fees levied on crucial imports.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A truckers strike has paralyzed the movement of commercial goods into and out of the Gaza Strip.
Work at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, the only commercial crossing into the Gaza Strip, has been suspended since Nov. 5, when the Land Transportation Association announced the suspension of work in response to the Palestinian Authority's decision to increase taxes by 30 shekels (about $8) on each truck bringing in goods.
"We can't afford this increase, as it will be taken out of the drivers’ pockets,” Land Transportation Association Secretary Jihad Salim told Al-Monitor.
He said negotiations are ongoing with the crossing's management in an attempt to end this crisis.
