Israel Matzav

Surprise: Hamas diverting cement to build bunkers

Two and a half weeks ago, I reported that Israel had decided to allow a limited amount of cement and metal pipes into Gaza to rebuild some of the buildings that were destroyed during Operation Cast Lead. We were assured that all would be under the strict control of UNRWA, which would make sure that none of the material would go to Hamas to make weapons.

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.

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.

At the time, I was skeptical.

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.

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.

I'm sure you will all be shocked - just shocked - to hear what happened:

The Defense Ministry is postponing the delivery of cement to the Gaza Strip out of fear that Hamas will get its hands on the material and use it to rebuild its military infrastructure damaged during Operation Cast Lead, officials said on Sunday.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak was reconsidering the delivery of the cement after, according to IDF Southern Command intelligence, cement that was transferred for the renovation of a British War Cemetery in Gaza earlier this month was partially confiscated by Hamas.

The cemetery contains graves of British and other foreign soldiers who were killed in the region during World War I.

"Hamas is in desperate need of cement to rebuild its bunker systems and bases," one official explained. "This is why it is so complicated to transfer cement to Gaza even if it is intended for civilian purposes."

...

The IDF sources said that Hamas's seizure of part of the cement raised a red flag for additional transfers. It was also, one official said, a "blatant cynical use of humanitarian aid that is meant to be used to help the poor people of Gaza but is instead used by Hamas for its military infrastructure."

Gee, where have we heard that before?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:25 AM