Mike in reply to my post about cement not getting into Gaza: Mike Merryman-Lotze: Lets be clear, the problem with reconstruction in Gaza is not political bickering between Hamas and Fatah or a failure of donations to materialize. The problem is the continuation of the blockade. The Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism mentioned in the article has put in place a system for institutionalizing and beautifying the blockade, not improving aid. The Israeli official quoted lifts up the 1,000 trucks of reconstruction materials that have entered Gaza since October as a sign that aid is flowing. However, it the UN estimates that over 750 truckloads of reconstruction materials are needed each day for rebuilding from the destruction caused by last summers attacks to be completed in 3 years. At current rates reconstruction will take more than 20 years. This is not a problem of aid but of the blockade. Additionally, a friend whose home was destroyed who I talked with while in Gaza last month laughed at the idea that cement coming in can help. His point was that cement is not helpful if gravel, re-bar, bricks, and other materials needed to build a house are not supplied at the same time. Giving cement without these other items is a recipe for guaranteeing that cement is resold on the black market making the whole vetting process a joke. The key to rebuilding is ending the blockade.unsco.org/Gaza%20Reconstruction%20Mechanism%20Fact%20Sheet%209%20October%202014.pdf
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:17:03 +0000
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