Palestinians to control Gaza crossings

The Palestinian unity government will reportedly assume control of two border crossings into the Gaza Strips, taking responsibility for construction materials entering the war-ravaged coastal enclave.

“Logistical arrangements are being finalized to manage the Karam Abu Salem [Kerem Shalom] and Erez crossings,” Palestinian media quoted Mohamed Mustafa, Palestinian deputy prime minister and economy minister, as saying on Friday.

Palestinian officials in Ramallah would begin monitoring the transfer of construction materials as well as the movement of individuals through the two border crossings on Sunday.

Israel and the Palestinians agreed last month that all materials will be first checked by the Tel Aviv regime before entering the Gaza Strip.

However, on October 8, Israel prevented dozens of trucks loaded with building materials from crossing into Gaza, despite earlier promises to allow such a move.

Palestinian officials have already raised concern over the shortage of construction materials to rebuild Gaza after Tel Aviv’s 50-day war on the territory, which has been under Israeli siege since 2007.

Over 2,130 Palestinians, including around 570 children, lost their lives and some 11,000 were injured in the raids.

More than 15,600 housing units were also damaged in the attacks, while over 2,200 houses were also totally destroyed, according to official figures released by Palestinian sources.

Financial experts estimate that it would cost over USD 7 billion to rebuild the Gaza Strip.

MKA/NN/AS