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Israel facilitates first Gaza reconstruction materials since summer conflict

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The first truck-loads of cement and steel, earmarked for the rebuilding of homes in the wake of Operation Protective Edge, entered the Gaza Strip yesterday from Israel.

Several weeks ago, Israel agreed a mechanism with the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the United Nations (UN), which would allow building materials to enter Gaza without the fear that they would be appropriated by Hamas to build military infrastructure. Israel restricted the entry of building materials into Gaza in October 2013 after it uncovered a large tunnel built by Hamas traversing the border which was designed to launch an attack. Dozens of such tunnels were destroyed by the IDF during Operation Protective Edge. Gaza imports were also restricted by Egypt, which closed the Rafah border crossing and destroyed hundreds of smuggling tunnels.

Israeli officials said yesterday that 600 tons of cement, ten trucks of metal and 50 trucks of additional building material entered Gaza via the Kerem Shalom border crossing. The trilateral mechanism recently agreed is designed to facilitate the rebuilding of an estimated 60,000 homes in Gaza.

Also yesterday, Israel facilitated the import of 15 tons of Gaza produce into the West Bank, mainly dates and sweet potatoes. Israeli officials said that they plan soon to enable the wider marketing of goods from the Gaza Strip in the West Bank for the first time in five years. The opening of the West Bank market is a potentially significant boost to Gaza’s economy.

Earlier this month, Israel relaxed restrictions on Palestinian movement between Gaza and the West Bank, to coincide with the Eid al-Ahda holiday, allowing hundreds to pray at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and 500 Gazans to visit relatives in the West Bank.

However, a long-term agreement on Gaza between Israel and Palestinian leaders has yet to be concluded. An open-ended ceasefire brokered by Egypt, which ended Operation Protective Edge remains in place. Talks are expected to resume in Cairo over a more permanent solution during the coming weeks.