Israeli companies should not get UN contracts to rebuild Gaza
28 May 2012 - For immediate release
Caabu condemns the reported decision by the UN to award contracts to Israeli
companies to help in rebuilding Gaza. These contracts should be cancelled with
immediate effect and the UK government should make known its strong
disagreement.
Two Israeli companies have won UNICEF contracts to build water plants inside the
Gaza Strip. Much of Gaza's infrastructure had been destroyed by Israeli bombing
not least during Operation Cast Lead in 2008-9 including Gaza's wastewater
treatment plant. Israel has imposed a full blockade of Gaza since June 2007,
lasting over 1800 days. This has included blocking spare parts for Gaza's water
and construction industry.
Commenting on this Caabu's Director Chris Doyle said that "Israeli companies
should not be allowed to profit from the Israeli destruction of Gaza. What
should be happening is that Israel is compelled to pay for the reconstruction
costs itself. Palestinians are understandably outraged and this has dangerously
undermined the UN's credibility in Gaza. This is like paying the arsonist to
rebuild the house he burnt down."