the Minister of Foreign Affairs from Israel, Yair lapid, presented a plan “Economy in exchange for security” by “Improve” living conditions of the palestinians about him Gaza Strip, repairing basic services and rebuilding communications, in exchange for a commitment to “calm” on the part of Hamas, the ruling Palestinian Islamist movement in Gaza.
“For too long, the only two options were conquering Gaza or endless violence. Both options are bad, ”Lapid told a security conference in Jerusalem. The development plan proposed by the diplomat is organized in two moments and without negotiations with Hamas, a group that Israel considers a “terrorist”, reported Télam.
In a first phase, “the power lines would be repaired, the gas would be connected and a water desalination plant would be built” in Gaza, a territory that has been under Israeli blockade for more than 15 years and has an average of 12 hours of light a day and little drinking water. In return, the Hamas Islamists will have to promise to “calm down for a long period,” Lapid added.
The official warned that, in the event of violence, Israel’s response will be “stronger than in the past.” In a second phase, a port and a ‘road link’ between Gaza and West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel, as well as a new industrial zone, he explained.
West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority from Mahmud Abas |, is separated from Gaza by Israeli territory. The plan, which has not yet been adopted by the government, does not seek to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but rather “act now” to “improve” the living conditions of the Palestinians and “create better conditions for future talks,” He explained. Minister.
Israel and Hamas have fought four wars since 2008. Four months after the last war, in May, the reconstruction of the enclave has yet to begin, despite commitments from various donors.
