Washington – Israel must play a central role in the reconstruction of Gaza, the United States said.
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In a press briefing in Washington, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki welcomed efforts by Israel and the Palestinians to allow the entry of much-needed aid into Gaza, following 50 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
“We were pleased to see that the UN, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority agreed on procedures aimed at expediting the passage of relief materials into [the Strip] while taking into account Israel’s security needs,” Psaki told reporters.
She called on the organizers of the upcoming international donors conference on the rehabilitation of Gaza – which will be co-hosted by Egypt and Norway this weekend in Cairo – to include “all governments who can play a role” in assisting the war-torn enclave.
Psaki said the US was hopeful there would be, as in the past, more contributions to the cause. As for Israel’s exact part in the reconstruction efforts, she said “they have contributed materials in the past, and we certainly hope they’ll do the same again.”
The Obama administration expected both sides to agree on a permanent deal that “addresses the long-term issues” and will prevent another cycle of violence. “…We’re working towards a lasting cease-fire,” Psaki added.
The cost of rebuilding the coastal territory in the wake of a seven-week battle, which has left entire neighborhoods flattened and hundreds of thousands homeless, is estimated to stand at just about $8 billion, according to PA projections.
It is believed that 17,000 homes were demolished during Israel’s operation, which also took out Gaza’s single power plant that the PA says will cost $250 million to repair.
While Psaki – responding to the question who was to blame for “the amount of aid, assistance” that went into projects that have been destroyed: Hamas, Israel or both – said she did not intend to play “the blame game,” she did offer the administration’s long-held concerns about “Hamas and their indiscriminate rockets” and “the fact that at times there was more Israel could do to avoid civilian casualties.”
Content is provided courtesy of the Jerusalem Post
Is this woman Jan Psaki out of her mind or are these the instructions she received from her bosses Hussein Obama and John “the traitor” Kerry? How about the Palestinians rebuilding Sderot and the other cities they murderously bombed?
Israel has paid enough – with soldiers lives who defended Eretz Yisroel. Maybe Gaza should remain destroyed so it cannot make any more tunnels into Israel or launch any more rockets into Israel. Move the homeless into Iraq or Syria.
If it was the other way around, I am sure the Palestinians wouldn’t be asked to do anything.
עולם הפוך ראיתי.
The current administration is dominated by two forces. One is called EVIL. The second is called INSANITY. Each and every one of the criminals involved in producing a position like this needs to be impeached and banished from the free world. May we merit observing each and every one of them receive their punishment for being against Hashem and His people.
Let me understand this. Hamas bombs Israel’s villages. Israel retaliates and destroys terrorist infrastructure. And now Israel must help rebuild Gaza.
Gotta go now; must make an appointment with a good psychoanalyst.
Does Israel also should help them to rebuild destroyed tunnels???
Or just to supply materials to do it?//