Insight on Gaza’s Infrastructure

Insight on Gaza’s Infrastructure

The media outlets give considerable coverage for
the continued flaming situation in Palestine, Gaza in particular. The
issue of the two balanced battling powers of Israel and “Hamas”
are all over the place . All facts show that Israeli is the super
power and in no way can it be compared with any Middle East country.
Other key issues are being touched upon not boldly and indirectly.

Infrastructure in Gaza has been on the media for shortwhile -when
Israel bombarded with millions of rockets using its entire military
arsenal – the densely populated area where over 1.7 resides. This last
Genocide or Holocaust perpetrated in Gaza 2008-2009 resulted in
serious problems and has direct ramifications on Gaza. We have seen
the direct ramification of the bombing on the infrastructure in Gaza.

Real Infrastructure never happened

With the Oslo Accord a bunch of infrastructure projects took Place.
The money donated or borrowed by Palestinian Authority (PA) via USA,
European Union, Japan and other Arab countries was used for building
more new roads, sanitation and water network, bridges and electricity
lines. Many other projects took place like building universities,
colleges, schools and hospitals. Sadly, it is undeniable that some of
the money has been stolen by corrupted Palestinians or has been
shifted to other projects in other areas.

The total projects and money allotted for infrastructure and
rehabilitation. was not enough for Gaza. According to the Gaza
municipality, Gaza city requires 65% of the city to be rehabilitated
if not more.

As for Rafah city, more than 70% of the city needs to be rebuilt or
rehabilitated – including the refugee camps, which are not suitable
for human habitation. Same applies to all refugee camps and the small
cities of Gaza like Jabalia, Beit Lahia and the middle areas till
Khanyonis, city central Gaza.

sewage

Sewage Water Network Bombed by Israel in 2009

Israel’s Role – And Infrastructure

I’m not here preparing to accuse Israel of hindering the process of
rebuilding Gaza, but it is clear that Israel is the key reason for the
plight in Gaza,since after the last war and since Hamas came to power.
Israel has been and should still be held responsible to the crises in
Gaza as it is the occupying power.

Between the year 1994 to 2000, Israel made it very difficult for PA
to build a number of projects in Gaza. With Intifada breaking out in
2000, Israel made it clear that it was the key and chief reason for
Gaza’s plight. As the Intifada escalated Israel started to use its
heavy military machines to target people and their infrastructure.
Roads had been bombarded, schools were attacked and police stations
that had kept the security was also targeted. Systematic targeting
took place from that moment – till now. (The PA reached the stage
-where it had lost real power over Gaza). In addition, Ministry
premises and even resorts, off Gaza shore were destroyed.

As Hamas came to power the attacks intensified – more places were
attacked. –including ,mosques, schools, police stations, ministry
buildings, road networks, sanitation and drinking water utilities were
bombarded too.

Some Facts -Systematic Policy and Full-Scale Attacks

In June 2006 Israel launched massive attacks on Gaza’s
infrastructure because it’s solider; Gilad Shalit was captured by
Palestinian factions. The key bridge which links the southern and
northern areas of Gaza had been totally decimated. The same day
witnessed heavy F16 air raids which destroyed the sole key power
plant. The Salah el Din, which is the sole key motorway in Gaza, was
bombarded on the same day. This same road has been bulldozed by Israel
many times – starting from the first invasion it has carried out in
2003 in north of Gaza.

Inspite of the seige in Gaza -Salah el din motorway was planned to be
renovated by the Japanese government, but Israel never allowed this.
According to UNRWA, projects of rebuilding houses for homeless
Palestinians issue – is still suspended- since 4 years – estimated
of $300 millions (permission has not ,still ,been given by Israel
).How is Israel helping?

Most of the projects designed to repair and rebuild infrastructure
are being funded by EU and other countries. EU asked Israel a few
times to avoid targeting civilians and their infrasctucre, Some of EU
officials asked Israel for guarantees it will not attack what they
fund. What does this imply?

“The infrastructure of water and sanitation is in a state of
collapse,” said John Ging, Director of Operations in Gaza for the UN
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), just last
April. According to Ging UNRWA have not been allowed to build a school
in Gaza for three years,” said Ging.Who is responsible?

More than 21,000 homes were destroyed or badly damaged, and more than
50,000 people were displaced into temporary UN shelters due to the
last onslaught lunched against the civilians of Gaza.Who should be
held accountable?

The official Israeli stance regarding the above mentioned incidents
–are repeatedly justified by Israel like this.Once they say “We
are targeting terrorists and their infrastructure,” then they say,
“We are working to secure our civilians,” then they say,
“Palestinians use these places for weapons-manufacturing. But really
and far from being bias, what’s being done is smart policy. Israel
is working on destroying the life of civilians, on the pretext that
the Gaza people brought the trouble on themselves (by electing Hamas-
is just absurd). It is absurd because most of the people in Gaza are
not pro Hamas .in addition, Hamas lost- a great majority of the
popular support. Is this not reason enough to lift the siege?

Destroying aspects of life by having the siege and indulging in
questionable deeds, will never help Israel in bringing peace -if
it’s ever interested in this outcome. People should have the basics
– some examples being- having a good infrastructure – freedom of
movement -and having a right to good medical treatment. When these
basic needs are met and if the siege is lifted -Israel will have her
peace.

By Sameh A. Habeeb

Palestine Telegraph Newspaper

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