Rebuilding Gaza

The UN has demanded an end to the ban on construction material imports to the Gaza Strip so that the project of rebuilding can begin following the Israeli bombardment.

On a visit to Gaza this week, UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon“It’s absolutely critical that these kinds of material now be allowed into Gaza on a regular and hopefully free basis.” He said he would pursue the matter with the Israeli authorities this week.

According to reports, about 20,000 homes lived in by 120,000 people have been partially damaged and can made habitable even if the ban is not lifted. However, a further 4,000 destroyed homes cannot be rebuilt because Israel is refusing to let construction materials cross the border into Gaza.

Reconstructing Gaza’s infrastructure will be difficult because of the destruction of much of the tunnel system linking Gaza to Egypt. The labyrinth of tunnels has been the route for food, fuel, arms and ammunition and other supplies since Israel and Egypt sealed off the Strip 18 months ago.

Also damaged were about 1,500 factories and workshops, 23 mosques and 10 water or sewage pipes, plus 23 facilities classed as either hospitals, schools or universities.