Demonstrators in Gaza may soon have to look for a new protest accessory of choice after Israel blocked the import of car tyres into the strip.

Images from weekly rallies by Palestinians in the region regularly feature the sight of burning tyres, which create a thick black smoke to obscure the vision of Israeli snipers and create a more intimidating atmosphere.

They also provide cover for protesters to launch rocks, firebombs and grenades towards troops on the other side of the fence dividing Gaza and Israel.

Image: Burning the tyres creates a thick black smoke to obscure the vision of Israeli snipers

But now, following in the footsteps of items such as chocolate, medicines and fuel, those living in Gaza are having to cope with a car tyre shortage.

The halting of imports by Israel has driven the prices sky-high, which has proven not just a problem for protesters, but also of course for motorists.


Khaled Hamad is a taxi driver and the shortage is having a big impact on his business, which he says has gone down significantly since Israel began clamping down on the imports earlier this year.

Image: Protesters can for now still rely on a supply of old tyres not fit for use on the roads

According to Rushdi al Khour, head of the association of Gaza spare parts merchants, which coordinates the imports, the shortage has caused the cost of a pair of tyres to leap from $120 (£93) to $300 (£233).

"This is a wrong decision by the Israeli side," he said of the ban.

"Lift the siege and the protests will stop."

Ironically, the tyre ban has had a greater impact on motorists and businessmen than it has had on protesters, who can for now rely on old ones left discarded in garages, fields and roadsides across the territory.

The blockade on Gaza was first introduced by Israel and Egypt in 2007, when the militant group Hamas took control.

Israel claims it is necessary to isolate Hamas, with the fence restricting the movement of people and goods.