Gaza reconstruction faces lack of funds

Palestinian and international officials warned Wednesday of a potential slowdown in the reconstruction of Gaza, with only 40 percent of the money pledged after a 2014 war with Israel delivered.

Palestinian prime minister Rami Hamdallah said they were able to repair more than 100,000 partially damaged homes, while giving compensation to businesses damaged in the war between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian factions.

But he warned that funding was drying up.

"We call upon you to honour your obligations and effectively contribute to saving Gaza," he told a conference of donors, United Nations officials and others in the city of Ramallah in the West Bank.

In October 2014, following the 50-day war, international donors pledged $3.5 billion to rebuild the Gaza Strip.

But funding has been slow, with only around 40 percent of the money delivered, according to Palestinian officials, who cited World Bank figures.

Gaza remains under an Israeli blockade, which limits the import and export of goods and restricts many basic materials, such as wood and concrete.

Israel fears such material will be used for militant purposes...
 [i24news.tv]
14/4/16
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