The second half of 2016 witnessed a new and worrisome phenomenon of mass revocation of entry permits held by Palestinian merchants from Gaza, also known as BMG permits (“Business Man Gaza” permits) or BMC permits.
Haaretz and Al-Monitor reported that between the months of May – October 2016, Israel revoked 1,700 entry permits into Israel for Gazan businessmen, an alarmingly high percentage of the total BMG permits issued. It is estimated that only 3,700 businessmen from Gaza received entry permits into Israel over the past few years.
In many instances, merchants only learned of the revocation upon arriving at the Erez border crossing and receiving a “Notice of Documents Confiscation.” All that was said to them was that the permit was cancelled for “security reasons,” and no further details were provided.
For Gazan merchants, an entry permit into Israel is critical. The permit allows merchants to meet with their Israeli business associates, to evaluate the quality of merchandise they have ordered and to enter into trade agreements for the importation of goods. Merchants report that it is virtually impossible to conduct business in Gaza without maintaining business relationships with Israeli companies and that the mass revocations are a severe blow to their businesses.
If you have been denied entry into Israel from Gaza or have had your permit revoked, our offices can help. BBH Law handles cases of denial of entry into Israel and other legal matters related to the siege on Gaza. Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.