Israel halts cement deliveries into Gaza following allegations of diversion; UN envoy urges rapid resolution

The United Nations Middle East envoy today the UN is working closely with Palestinian and Israeli authorities following Israel’s suspension of cement deliveries to private companies in the Gaza Strip “following allegations that a substantial amount had been diverted from its intended legitimate beneficiaries.”

“We are working closely with our Palestinian and Israeli government counterparts to assist in resolving the situation in order to prevent incidents that could lead to any future suspension of imports,” said UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov in a statement urging “a rapid resolution of this matter.”

He said the people of Gaza depend on the entry of construction material to repair and reconstruct their damaged and destroyed houses following the 2014 conflict and to enable much needed infrastructure and development projects.

“Those who seek to gain through the deviation of materials are stealing from their own people and adding to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza,” stressed Mr. Mladenov, adding that reconstruction of Gaza remains critical to ensuring its stability.