The World Bank warned on Friday that the prolonged closure of the Gaza Strip could lead to its “irreversible” economic collapse and long- term dependence on humanitarian assistance.
This warning echoed a call by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) which provides rations and services to the  Palestinian refugees living in the narrow strip of territory that the Karni commercial crossing between Israel and Gaza must open soon and remain open if catastrophe is to be averted.
John Ging, UNRWA’S head in Gaza, told Deccan Herald that the situation of the populace “continues to deteriorate”. Of the 1.5 million inhabitants of Gaza, 1.1 million are now receiving a basic ration of flour, pulses, oil, and rice, which meets 61 per cent of daily nutritional requirements.
Serious depletion
The agency has managed to cope with the needs of recipients so far because of massive, strategic stockpiles, but these will be seriously depleted by August if not replaced. Mr Ging said the two small crossings now being used to import urgent food and medical supplies do not allow for a large volume to be brought into the Strip, which is surrounded on three sides by an Israeli fence and cut off from maritime trade by the Israeli navy.
“Stopping is not an option. If we stop (bringing in supplies), people will have no food. The crossing (closed since June 11th), must be open for a sustained period, it cannot be switched off and on.”
The UNRWA’s “vital infrastructure projects,” worth $93 million, are on hold because cement and other materials cannot be brought into Gaza through the Karni crossing. This means that repairs are halted at 16,000 family homes damaged by Israeli strikes as well as schools, clinics and other facilities. 
Sewage, water and other projects are suspended. If these projects remain in limbo and construction and manufacturing firms continue to close down another 300,000 people will have to be added to the ration rolls.
The reason for the tightening closure and siege of Gaza is the victory of the Muslim movement Hamas over secular Fateh during fighting at the beginning of June. Israel and the US consider Hamas a “terrorist” organisation but a majority of the Gazans and West Bankers voted for the Hamas candidates in the 2006 parliamentary election, projecting the party into power and government.
In deep poverty
The US, Israel, and the international community responded with an economic boycott which has deepened the poverty of the people.
Since taking over the Strip last month, Hamas has imposed law and order, collected weapons held by criminal clans and gangs and put an end of murder, kidnappings, extortion, and armed robberies which were prevalent before the clashes. Raji Sourani, a humanitarian rights activist, said the international community should stop shunning Hamas and work with the movement to rescue Gaza from further deterioration and suffering.