Published November 21, 2013
Associated Press
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Members of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine chant slogans against peace negotiations with Israeli, while participating in a demonstration in the West Bank city of Jenin, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013. The Arabic, front, reads, "People want to end the division. The people want to withdraw soon from the negotiations." (AP Photo/Mohammed Ballas) (The Associated Press)
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – A senior
United Nations official says new border restrictions on Gaza by Egypt
and Israel have paralyzed the territory's construction industry and
idled 10 percent of the workforce.
Israel and Egypt have imposed restrictions since the Islamic militant Hamas seized Gaza in 2007. In July, Egypt shut down smuggling tunnels under its border with Gaza. Israel barred the import of all construction materials to Gaza last month after it discovered two concrete-lined border tunnels dug by militants.
Robert Turner of the main U.N. aid agency in Gaza on Thursday urged Israel to lift the restrictions that he said put U.N. building projects worth $60 million on hold.
Maj. Guy Inbar, an Israel military official, says Israel first needs assurances the materials won't be diverted to militants.
Israel and Egypt have imposed restrictions since the Islamic militant Hamas seized Gaza in 2007. In July, Egypt shut down smuggling tunnels under its border with Gaza. Israel barred the import of all construction materials to Gaza last month after it discovered two concrete-lined border tunnels dug by militants.
Robert Turner of the main U.N. aid agency in Gaza on Thursday urged Israel to lift the restrictions that he said put U.N. building projects worth $60 million on hold.
Maj. Guy Inbar, an Israel military official, says Israel first needs assurances the materials won't be diverted to militants.
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