Egypt allows convoy of goods to enter Gaza Strip
By Park Sae-jin
Posted : December 30, 2012, 19:24
Updated : December 30, 2012, 19:24
Egypt had previously followed import restrictions imposed by Israel. However, Israel has eased its blockade as part of last month‘s ceasefire deal with the Islamist group Hamas.
Many goods are smuggled from Egypt through a network of underground tunnels into Gaza, which is governed by Hamas. An Egyptian security official quoted by AP news agency said the shipment had been made in consultation with Israeli officials who were in Cairo on Thursday.
Qatar has pledged more than $400 million to finance reconstruction in Gaza and improve crumbling housing, schools, a hospital and roads.
A Hamas official said it was a positive step. “We hope that Egypt will open this crossing permanently for goods so our people can meet their needs,” said Ehab al-Ghsain, head of the Hamas government’s media office.
Some 170 Palestinians and 6 Israelis were killed in an eight-day conflict between Hamas and Israel in November.
Earlier this month, Hamas celebrated its 25th anniversary in Gaza with a rally attended by exiled political leader Khaled Meshaal. Hamas won elections in Gaza in 2006 and came to power a year later after rejecting the rival Fatah faction.
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