BICOM

Israel yesterday authorised the entry of seventy trucks of building materials for private projects into the Gaza Strip, the first such import for six years.

Apparently, the materials included gravel cement and iron, which have been permitted for public construction projects during the past few years. However, Israel had restricted their entry for private initiatives for fear that they would be used by Hamas to strengthen its military capability. Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip since it violently removed the Fatah faction of Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmoud Abbas in 2007. It was reported last week that a request by Abbas was crucial in the decision by Israeli security officials which allowed yesterday’s shipment to take place. In total, Israel has committed to allowing the entry of 350 trucks of such material each week.

A recent Egyptian military operation to close the vast network of smuggling tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border is thought to have restricted the entry of goods into the Gaza Strip. Egyptian authorities believe that the tunnels were a major conduit of weapons and personnel, sent with the help of Hamas to help Islamists terror groups attack the Egyptian military in Sinai. It was also reported over the weekend that Egypt had closed the Rafah border crossing into the Gaza Strip due to similar security concerns. PA ambassador to Cairo Barakat al-Farra claimed that the crossing would only reopen once forces loyal to Abbas are permitted to control the Palestinian side of the terminal.

Meanwhile, despite yesterday’s import of building materials, a mortar rocket was fired yesterday evening from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel. The rocket landed in an open area without causing any injuries or damage. However, it follows the firing of a Kassam rocket from the Gaza Strip last Wednesday which landed near the city of Ashkelon. Again, no injuries or damage was reported.