CAABU slams UN contracts with Israel

The British-based Centre for Arab and British Understanding has condemned a recent move by the United Nations to awards Israeli companies contracts to help in the reconstruction of Gaza. "These contracts should be cancelled with immediate effect and the UK government should make known its strong disagreement," said a statement by the organisation. Two Israeli companies have won UNICEF contracts to build water plants inside the Gaza Strip. Much of Gaza’s infrastructure was destroyed by Israeli bombing, of which a considerable amount was 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. CAABU director Chris Doyle said: “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.”