Israel allowing cement, metal pipes into Gaza
For the first time since the end of Operation Cast Lead, Israel will allow cement and metal pipes into Gaza. The cement and metal pipes are to be turned over to UNRWA for specific construction projects and allegedly will be kept away from Hamas. The transfer of materials is part of the implementation of a United Nations plan devised by UN envoy to the Middle East, Robert Serry, who has submitted to Israel a list of 10 UN-sponsored construction projects in Gaza.I'm not pleased about this, because given that UNRWA has plenty of Hamas members working for it, I believe it's highly likely Hamas will get its hands on these materials, which obviously may be used to make Kassams.
Amos Gilad, the coordinator of Israeli activity in the Gaza Strip, authorized the UN construction plan several weeks ago. The cement will be transferred for use solely in the approved projects and will not be handed over to Hamas, the rulers of the Gaza Strip.
Among the construction projects are the reconstruction of Gaza's largest flour mill and the refurbishing of a sewage treatment plant.
Both Israel and Egypt have kept Gaza's borders largely closed since the Islamic militant Hamas seized control of the territory by force more than two years ago.
But my guess is that this is a one-shot deal, and if Israel gets reports that Hamas got its hands on any of the materials they will not be able to do any more construction there.
UPDATE 10:57 PM
In a meeting with US National Security Adviser James Jones on Wednesday night, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel will not completely open the border to Gaza until kidnapped IDF corporal Gilad Shalit is released.
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:28 PM
4 Comments:
Let the Gazans take care of themselves. Its a stupid move. Israel's policy should be that Gaza's welfare is not Israel's responsibility. That was the entire rationale behind the Disengagement. Israel owes an enemy nothing.
I thought I read something last week about Hamas having to approve all distribution of reconstruction aid.
This is the dumbest thing I've heard since Biden said we need to go further into debt to remain solvent.
I guess as Forrest Gump's momma used to say "stupid is as stupid does".
Walter C,
You read that right here, and I was wondering about the same thing myself.
My guess is that the supply is extremely limited and that the IDF will monitor it closely, but I believe this is a crazy move.
NOTHING INTO AZA, til GILAD is free
doesn´t take rocket science to understand that.....
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