19-04-2024 08:29 PM Jerusalem Timing

Gaza Cement Deliveries Resume after Zionist Entity Lifts Ban

Gaza Cement Deliveries Resume after Zionist Entity Lifts Ban

Private cement deliveries to the Gaza Strip resumed on Monday after the Zionist entity lifted a nearly two-month ban it imposed over the alleged diversion of materials by an official in the Palestinian territory.

Private cement deliveries to the Gaza Strip resumed on Monday after the Zionist entity lifted a nearly two-month ban it imposed over the alleged diversion of materials by an official in the Palestinian territory.

Occupation authorities imposed the ban in early April in the territory run by resistance movement Hamas which is still rebuilding after a devastating Israeli war in 2014.Gaza cement deliveries

The ban affected private providers, meaning Qatar, a major donor to Gazan reconstruction, and the United Nations were still able to bring in cement to Gaza, under an Israeli blockade for nearly a decade.

Raed Fattouh, who oversees the entry of goods into the Gaza Strip, said private deliveries had resumed for the first time since April 3.

"We are expecting 90 trucks transporting around 3,200 tonnes of cement, in compliance with the mechanism put in place by the UN, and deliveries will continue every day of the week," he said.

The occupation authorities  said late Sunday it was lifting the ban "in accordance with the security assessment and the understandings reached with the international community".

UN officials point out that cement deliveries are vital to Gaza's reconstruction and pushed for the ban to be lifted.

"It is critical for the security of both Palestinians and Israelis that Gaza remains calm and hope is restored to its people," Nickolay Mladenov, UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process  said.