PRESS RELEASE: Israeli companies should not get UN contracts to rebuild Gaza

Posted by Caabu on 28 May 2012

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.”

Ends

Notes:

1 - For more information or interviews, please contact Chris Doyle on doylec@caabu.org

2 - For more information about water in Gaza http://www.btselem.org/gaza_strip/20100823_gaza_water_crisis

3 - Report on the UNICEF contract http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-companies-win-un-bids-to-reconstruct-gaza-angering-palestinians/