Israeli firms should not get UN contracts to rebuild Gaza

JEDDAH — Caabu, an international organization which stands for Arab and Palestinian rights, late Monday condemned the reported decision by the UN to award contracts to Israeli companies to help in rebuilding Gaza. These contracts should be canceled with immediate effect and the UK government should make known its strong disagreement, according to a press release issued here.
 

Two Israeli companies have won UNICEF contracts to build water plants inside the Gaza Strip. Much of Gaza’s infrastructure had been destroyed by Israeli bombing not least during Operation Cast Lead in 2008-09 including Gaza’s wastewater treatment plant.

Israel has imposed a full blockade of Gaza since June 2007, lasting over 1800 days. This has included blocking spare parts for Gaza’s water and construction industry.
 

Commenting on this Caabu’s Director Chris Doyle said, “Israeli companies should not be allowed to profit from the Israeli destruction of Gaza. What should be happening is that Israel is compelled to pay for the reconstruction costs itself. Palestinians are understandably outraged and this has dangerously undermined the UN’s credibility in Gaza. This is like paying the arsonist to rebuild the house he burnt down.” — SG