Israel Concerned that Gaza Rebuilding May Legitimize Hamas

[Jerusalem Post] Herb Keinon - Concern is mounting in Jerusalem that the massive efforts expected for Gaza reconstruction will lead to a de facto recognition of Hamas rule there. Another Israeli concern is that the massive amounts of steel and concrete that will be needed to rebuild Gaza will be rerouted to reconstructing Hamas' badly damaged rocket-producing capabilities. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said Monday in Jerusalem that while the expected humanitarian aid would flow quickly, reconstruction of buildings and infrastructure would only begin when the EU had an acceptable Palestinian partner. She strongly hinted that it would be difficult to rebuild Gaza as long as Hamas remained opposed to peace efforts. "We don't want to go on to reconstruct Gaza every I-don't-know-how-many years," she said. "What we would like to see is a clear sustainable peace."


2009-01-20 06:00:00

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