IDF: Hamas syphoning off majority of construction materials meant for Gaza’s rehabilitation

 

IDF: Israel has facilitated the entry of 1,700,000 tons of construction material into Gaza (since end of 2014 conflict) that Hamas is seizing for its construction of attack tunnels.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

 

Hamas is seizing construction imports to the Gaza Strip and using the materials to build tunnels to attack Israel, the IDF’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai told the Palestinian Ma’an News Agency on Tuesday.

Stolen Concrete & Iron bars meant for new homes

Stolen Concrete & Iron bars meant for new homes – Photo: AFP

In an interview with the agency, Mordechai said that Hamas is seizing quantities of wood and other materials, designed for civilian construction projects in the Strip.

He accused the terrorists of delaying Gaza’s recovery from last year’s 50-day war with Israel.

“Hamas operatives have forcefully taken over storage facilities housing construction imports, and seized them for the organization’s underground infrastructure,” Mordechai told Ma’an.

Construction iron sent to Gaza

Construction iron sent to Gaza

Israel has allowed the entrance of 1,700,000 tons of construction material for civilian rebuilding since the war, Mordechai added.

He dismissed reports that Israel was holding direct or indirect negotiations with Hamas. “Israel operates only vis-a-vis the Palestinian Authority, and does not operate visa- vis any other Palestinian organizations,” he said.

 

View original The Jerusalem Post publication at:
http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/IDF-Hamas-seizing-Gazan-construction-imports-for-attack-tunnel-construction-413915