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Israel to Allow Construction Material into Gaza

by 158 | July 30, 2009 at 08:23 am

101 views | 6 Recommendations | 9 comments

This is a good move for Israel

and for the people o0f Gaza. If

this material can be used as intended,

for the rebuilding of civilian homes and

businesses but if Hamas diverts some

of it to government and military use,

then Israel will again block it from

entering Gaza.

" Israel has agreed to allow a limited amount of cement and other construction materials into the Gaza Strip, some six months after the end of a devastating war between Hamas and the Israeli army. An economic blockade imposed by Israel has been increasingly tightened since the militant Hamas group took control of the territory in 2007. "

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tikun

at 09:01 on July 30th, 2009

We will see.

158

at 09:27 on July 30th, 2009

Yes, I suspect Hamas will interfere in this.

a211423

at 08:42 on August 10th, 2009

Supplying a "limited amount of cement" is a start, but this should not over shadow the need for heavy equipment and the removal of rubble created by Operation Cast Lead. Estimates are it will take one year to remove and pulverize 600,000 tons of debris and cost 12 million dollars.

Rebuilding and the removal of rubble should be carried out simutaneouly; therefore, providing the heavy equipment and machinery needed for this task, not just the provision of "limited amount[s] of cement."

Resource: Haaretz.com; Rubble Rousing by Amira Haas; July 30, 2009

tikun

at 02:07 on August 11th, 2009

Amira Hass is one of the few extreme journalists in Israel married to an Arab Muslim and lives in the Territories. Not exactly the most reasonable source and spin on the truth.

How can you give Hamas heavy machinery and equipment when they stole 2 or 3 ambulances from UNWRA just a few days ago. UNWRA denied the report but Hamas confirmed today. UNWRA is running scared in Gaza. These ambulances were released through Israel and the IDF stated that these were never going to be used for the population. In fact, a liver transplant patient was being driven to Israel from Gaza for treatment when Hamas decided to dump of few mortars into Israel as a sign of thanks.

158

at 10:25 on August 10th, 2009

The problem is construction materials can be diverted for military use. Hamas could take the cement and metal to build military fortifications and weapons, including rockets to fire at Israel.

a211423

at 10:06 on August 11th, 2009

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and its partners, not Hamas, started clearing rubble at the beginning of July, but vital supplies and equipment are needed. The cleanup program will provide jobs and improve the conditions in the areas before building can start in those areas. But the problems with lack of materials and equipment antedate December 2008. Since 2007 the UNDP has had to suspend 60 million dollars worth of construction projects including much needed schools because of lack of materials.