Haaretz, Jul 14, 2016

The Erez border crossing between Israel and northern Gaza Strip, December 28, 2014. Reuters

Several Gaza residents told Haaretz they see the decision as a continuation of Israel’s policy of collective punishment and further proof that Israel controls all of Gaza. They said the postal services are very limited anyway and handle mainly package deliveries.

A., who orders clothing sent by mail, said “there are people who buy shoes or watches or items you can’t find in the strip, or someone abroad or in the West Bank sends you a gift. It made life a lot easier for people.”

Since Israel controls the postal services, A. said it was "strange" for Israel to complain of dangerous items being smuggled into Gaza via a service closely monitored by its own authorities.