Israel halts cement deliveries into Gaza following allegations of diversion; UN envoy urges rapid resolution
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 4 April 2016 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Israel halts cement deliveries into Gaza following allegations of diversion; UN envoy urges rapid resolution, 4 April 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57036ede40b.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
4 April 2016 - 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.
