10 apr 2014
Minister of Local Government Mohammed al- Farra said that the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip since 2007 disrupted 21 projects in the fields of water and sanitation. The projects were negatively affected due to the closure of the crossings with Gaza and the ban on entry of construction materials which are necessary to fulfill several halted projects, al-Farra clarified Thursday.
He pointed out that the costs of the stalled water projects reached about $15m. The most important ones are the desalination of sea water project in Dair al- Balah, south of the Gaza Strip cost $12m, construction of water tank an a pumping station project in Deir al- Balah cost $1m.
The Lack of raw materials stopped completing the second phase of rainwater collection project in al- Jenina neighborhood in Rafah cost $271.1m, Al-Farra added, pointing out that several projects were delayed due to the closure of the crossings, especially the projects of establishing water wells in al- Qarrara , Bait-Lahia, and al-Salqa valley.
Total costs of the projects which are being carried out in wastewater field caused by the lack of raw materials exceeded $4m, al-Farra said.
Al-Alfarra hoped international community and organizations to pressure on the Israeli occupation in order to lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip and allow the entry of necessary materials to the Gaza strip to continue those projects. He considered that Israeli occupation is responsible for the deteriorating situation in the strip.
He pointed out that the costs of the stalled water projects reached about $15m. The most important ones are the desalination of sea water project in Dair al- Balah, south of the Gaza Strip cost $12m, construction of water tank an a pumping station project in Deir al- Balah cost $1m.
The Lack of raw materials stopped completing the second phase of rainwater collection project in al- Jenina neighborhood in Rafah cost $271.1m, Al-Farra added, pointing out that several projects were delayed due to the closure of the crossings, especially the projects of establishing water wells in al- Qarrara , Bait-Lahia, and al-Salqa valley.
Total costs of the projects which are being carried out in wastewater field caused by the lack of raw materials exceeded $4m, al-Farra said.
Al-Alfarra hoped international community and organizations to pressure on the Israeli occupation in order to lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip and allow the entry of necessary materials to the Gaza strip to continue those projects. He considered that Israeli occupation is responsible for the deteriorating situation in the strip.
30 mar 2014
Hamad Housing project
Deputy minister of Public works in Gaza Naji Sarhan said that closing Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip for long times affected partially Qatari projects of housing. The Entry of necessary building materials for those projects are bore on Rafah crossing border’s situation.
The former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has granted the Gaza Strip 400$ million during his historical visit to the enclave on October 2012.
The grant includes constructing a housing city, hospital and stadium, in addition to other projects.
Sarhan said Sunday that blocking the entry of the necessary building materials via Rafah crossing is the main reason of not proposing the second and third stages of Hamad Housing project and al-Rashid and Salah al-Din streets.
Sarhan called on Egypt to reconsider the mechanism of opening Rafah crossing regularly. He pointed out that the government in Gaza communicates daily with the Arab countries and the international community to put an end to this crisis as soon as possible.
Since the military coup which ousted the elected President Mohamed Morsi on July 3, 2013, Egypt has been constantly closing the Rafah crossing, opening it only two or three days at spaced intervals to humanitarian cases.
Deputy minister of Public works in Gaza Naji Sarhan said that closing Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip for long times affected partially Qatari projects of housing. The Entry of necessary building materials for those projects are bore on Rafah crossing border’s situation.
The former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has granted the Gaza Strip 400$ million during his historical visit to the enclave on October 2012.
The grant includes constructing a housing city, hospital and stadium, in addition to other projects.
Sarhan said Sunday that blocking the entry of the necessary building materials via Rafah crossing is the main reason of not proposing the second and third stages of Hamad Housing project and al-Rashid and Salah al-Din streets.
Sarhan called on Egypt to reconsider the mechanism of opening Rafah crossing regularly. He pointed out that the government in Gaza communicates daily with the Arab countries and the international community to put an end to this crisis as soon as possible.
Since the military coup which ousted the elected President Mohamed Morsi on July 3, 2013, Egypt has been constantly closing the Rafah crossing, opening it only two or three days at spaced intervals to humanitarian cases.
Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya has pledged to rebuild a house for a Palestinian family in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, that was destroyed in a fire that also killed two children. Two toddlers of the Sheikh Eid family were killed and other family members suffered various burns as a result of the fire caused by a candle, which is widely used in the repeated absence of power in the besieged enclave.
Haneyy’s pledge was voiced during his visit to the family afternoon Saturday to offer condolences.
Haneyy’s pledge was voiced during his visit to the family afternoon Saturday to offer condolences.
27 mar 2014
The European Union and UNICEF launched a project Thursday to build a desalination plant in the Gaza Strip to provide 75,000 Palestinians with drinking water.
A joint statement said the project will be implemented by UNICEF thanks to a 10-million-euro ($13.7-million) EU grant.
Just 5.8 percent of Gaza households have good quality water because of increased salinity caused by sewage infiltration of groundwater, according to a statement released Thursday by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics ahead of World Water Day on Saturday.
"Access to clean water is a fundamental human right for all. And yet many Gazans face acute water shortages on a day-to-day basis," EU representative John Gatt-Rutter said as the first stone was laid for the project.
"Others can only access water of very poor quality," he added, saying the new plant "offers the prospect of access to clean water for many thousands of families".
The plant at Deir al-Balah in the centre of the territory is expected to become operational in 2015, and will supply fresh water to 75,000 people in Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south.
Because up to 95 percent of water in the water table is unfit for consumption, "more than four out of five Palestinians in Gaza buy their drinking water from unregulated, private vendors, a heavy burden on impoverished families", the EU-UNICEF statement said.
The Palestinian Bureau of Statistics says that 28 percent of the water supplied to households in the West Bank and Gaza is bought from Israeli company Mekorot, and that 85 percent of groundwater supplies are extracted by Israel.
A joint statement said the project will be implemented by UNICEF thanks to a 10-million-euro ($13.7-million) EU grant.
Just 5.8 percent of Gaza households have good quality water because of increased salinity caused by sewage infiltration of groundwater, according to a statement released Thursday by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics ahead of World Water Day on Saturday.
"Access to clean water is a fundamental human right for all. And yet many Gazans face acute water shortages on a day-to-day basis," EU representative John Gatt-Rutter said as the first stone was laid for the project.
"Others can only access water of very poor quality," he added, saying the new plant "offers the prospect of access to clean water for many thousands of families".
The plant at Deir al-Balah in the centre of the territory is expected to become operational in 2015, and will supply fresh water to 75,000 people in Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south.
Because up to 95 percent of water in the water table is unfit for consumption, "more than four out of five Palestinians in Gaza buy their drinking water from unregulated, private vendors, a heavy burden on impoverished families", the EU-UNICEF statement said.
The Palestinian Bureau of Statistics says that 28 percent of the water supplied to households in the West Bank and Gaza is bought from Israeli company Mekorot, and that 85 percent of groundwater supplies are extracted by Israel.
25 mar 2014
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said that the Construction Cost Index for residential buildings reached 100.37 with an increase of 0.23% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base year 2013=100).
The Construction Cost Index for residential buildings increased due to the increase in the prices of both groups; raw materials by 0.33%, and rental of equipments by 0.22% during February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Construction Cost Index for Non-residential Buildings
The Construction Cost Index for non-residential buildings reached 100.32 with an increase of 0.23% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base year 2013=100).
The Construction Cost Index for non-residential buildings increased due to the increase in the prices of both groups; raw materials by 0.32%, and rental of equipments by 0.23% during February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Construction Cost Index for Skeleton Buildings
The Construction Cost Index for skeleton buildings reached 100.34 with an increase of 0.53% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base year 2013=100).
The Construction Cost Index for skeleton buildings increased due to the increase in the prices of both groups; raw materials by 0.76%, and rental of equipments by 0.17% during February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Road Cost Index (RCI)
The overall Road Cost Index (RCI) reached 117.19 with an increase of 0.14% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base month December 2008=100).
The Road Cost Index for February 2014 increased due to the increase in the prices of raw materials by 0.14%, rental of equipments by 0.36%, and transportation fees by 0.12%. While, operating costs of equipment & maintenance decreased by 0.56% during February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI)
The overall Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI) reached 111.56 with an increase of 0.65% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base month January 2010=100).
Water reservoirs cost Index reached 109.10 with an increase of 0.84%. Also, Water Networks Cost Index reached 112.68 with an increase of 0.57% for February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Sewage Networks Cost Index
The overall Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI) reached 108.33 with an increase of 0.77% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base month January 2010=100).
Note:
The data of the West Bank doesn't cover those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israel in 1967.
NB:
1. Gaza Strip data is not available.
2. The difference in the percentage change in major groups of road, construction, water networks, and sewage networks cost index is due to the nature compositions of these major groups.
*Data collection of Construction, Road, Water Networks, and Sewage Networks Cost Index survey was funded by the European Union.
The Construction Cost Index for residential buildings increased due to the increase in the prices of both groups; raw materials by 0.33%, and rental of equipments by 0.22% during February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Construction Cost Index for Non-residential Buildings
The Construction Cost Index for non-residential buildings reached 100.32 with an increase of 0.23% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base year 2013=100).
The Construction Cost Index for non-residential buildings increased due to the increase in the prices of both groups; raw materials by 0.32%, and rental of equipments by 0.23% during February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Construction Cost Index for Skeleton Buildings
The Construction Cost Index for skeleton buildings reached 100.34 with an increase of 0.53% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base year 2013=100).
The Construction Cost Index for skeleton buildings increased due to the increase in the prices of both groups; raw materials by 0.76%, and rental of equipments by 0.17% during February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Road Cost Index (RCI)
The overall Road Cost Index (RCI) reached 117.19 with an increase of 0.14% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base month December 2008=100).
The Road Cost Index for February 2014 increased due to the increase in the prices of raw materials by 0.14%, rental of equipments by 0.36%, and transportation fees by 0.12%. While, operating costs of equipment & maintenance decreased by 0.56% during February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI)
The overall Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI) reached 111.56 with an increase of 0.65% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base month January 2010=100).
Water reservoirs cost Index reached 109.10 with an increase of 0.84%. Also, Water Networks Cost Index reached 112.68 with an increase of 0.57% for February 2014 compared to previous month.
Increase in the Sewage Networks Cost Index
The overall Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI) reached 108.33 with an increase of 0.77% in the West Bank during February 2014 compared to January 2014 (base month January 2010=100).
Note:
The data of the West Bank doesn't cover those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israel in 1967.
NB:
1. Gaza Strip data is not available.
2. The difference in the percentage change in major groups of road, construction, water networks, and sewage networks cost index is due to the nature compositions of these major groups.
*Data collection of Construction, Road, Water Networks, and Sewage Networks Cost Index survey was funded by the European Union.
24 mar 2014
Residents of the Palestinian town of Abu Ghosh wave the Chechen flag during the dedication ceremony the new Ahmad Kadyrov mosque, on March 23 2014
The head of the Russian republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, inaugurated Israel's largest mosque on Sunday, in a village near Jerusalem whose inhabitants claim descent from Muslim migrants from the Caucasus.
"Chechens were only able to declare their nationality freely 11 years ago thanks to Akhmad Kadyrov who drafted the Chechen constitution and enabled us to say to the world we are Muslim Chechens," he told the gathering.
The new $10-million mosque in the Palestinian-Israeli village of Abu Ghosh, to which Chechnya donated $6 million, is named for the Chechen strongman's father and previous president, Akhmad Kadyrov, who was killed in a bomb attack in 2004.
The new mosque can accommodate more than three thousand worshipers and covers an area of 3,200 square meters.
Only the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem, whose annexation by Israel is not recognized internationally, is larger.
Villagers on foot and on horseback waved Chechen flags as Kadyrov arrived.
Inside the mosque he joined locals in prayer.
Abu Ghosh mayor Issa Jabr said that the village had ongoing contacts with Chechnya.
"We visited them in 2010 and we talked about communication and cultural exchange," he told AFP.
The head of the Russian republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, inaugurated Israel's largest mosque on Sunday, in a village near Jerusalem whose inhabitants claim descent from Muslim migrants from the Caucasus.
"Chechens were only able to declare their nationality freely 11 years ago thanks to Akhmad Kadyrov who drafted the Chechen constitution and enabled us to say to the world we are Muslim Chechens," he told the gathering.
The new $10-million mosque in the Palestinian-Israeli village of Abu Ghosh, to which Chechnya donated $6 million, is named for the Chechen strongman's father and previous president, Akhmad Kadyrov, who was killed in a bomb attack in 2004.
The new mosque can accommodate more than three thousand worshipers and covers an area of 3,200 square meters.
Only the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem, whose annexation by Israel is not recognized internationally, is larger.
Villagers on foot and on horseback waved Chechen flags as Kadyrov arrived.
Inside the mosque he joined locals in prayer.
Abu Ghosh mayor Issa Jabr said that the village had ongoing contacts with Chechnya.
"We visited them in 2010 and we talked about communication and cultural exchange," he told AFP.
19 mar 2014
Mohammad Mustafa, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, announced that the Palestinian Government is requesting proposals from interested firms to explore and develop oil in the West Bank.
The License Area extends over 432 Km2 from north of the city of Qalqilya to the west of Ramallah as shown in the attached map.
The tender documents were prepared under the supervision of a special Ministerial Committee headed by Mustafa and with the aid of international expert firms such as Exploration Reservoir Consultants Ltd. "ERCL", who specializes in consultancy for oil exploration, and the international law firm Ashurst, one of the world's leading firms in oil and gas law.
Initial studies have indicated that the license area may hold oil reserves ranging between 30 million and 186 million barrels.
The tender is available for public bidding, and will be open to bids for a period ending June 30th 2014, after which all the bids will be evaluated by the Ministerial Committee with the aid of a technical committee that will be formed for that purpose, and with the assistance of the international consultants who helped in preparing for the tender. Bids are to be submitted to the ministerial committee, whose address –as well as more detailed information regarding the project and application procedures- could be found at the project's website: www.palexploration.ps
The project as a whole is expected to generate proceeds exceeding one billion USD to the Palestinian Government over the life of the field, including cash inflows in the form of taxes, royalties and other bonuses and payments specified in the model contract for the project.
The Palestine Investment Fund ("PIF"), a state-owned sovereign development fund, will participate in the project through entering with the selected bidder into a joint venture (JV) in which the PIF will have an ownership stake subject to bidding (with a minimum value of 25%). The PIF will participate in the JV by providing its share of the JV's capital. Consequently, the PIF will be part of the consortium in charge of developing the project, as is the industry norm for state investment arms in international oil projects.
"The existence of oil in Palestine is a highly promising opportunity for the Palestinian economy" Mustafa said. He further emphasized the potential for a big shift in the Palestinian economy's trajectory as a result of such a project, which is considered the first of its kind in the country.
"Having local oil supply will alleviate some of the costs borne by the Palestinian economy on oil imports" Mustafa added.
Moreover, Mustafa stressed the fact that "a project of this size and nature will enhance Palestinian utilization of local natural resources, and will be a stepping stone to a multitude of other projects concerning developing available natural resources including those in Al-Aghwar Region, in the Dead Sea, as well as offshore Gaza, thus, further liberating the Palestinian economy from its dependence on imports and laying the foundations for creating a strong independent Palestinian economy."
Source: Official Palestinian news agency-WAFA
The License Area extends over 432 Km2 from north of the city of Qalqilya to the west of Ramallah as shown in the attached map.
The tender documents were prepared under the supervision of a special Ministerial Committee headed by Mustafa and with the aid of international expert firms such as Exploration Reservoir Consultants Ltd. "ERCL", who specializes in consultancy for oil exploration, and the international law firm Ashurst, one of the world's leading firms in oil and gas law.
Initial studies have indicated that the license area may hold oil reserves ranging between 30 million and 186 million barrels.
The tender is available for public bidding, and will be open to bids for a period ending June 30th 2014, after which all the bids will be evaluated by the Ministerial Committee with the aid of a technical committee that will be formed for that purpose, and with the assistance of the international consultants who helped in preparing for the tender. Bids are to be submitted to the ministerial committee, whose address –as well as more detailed information regarding the project and application procedures- could be found at the project's website: www.palexploration.ps
The project as a whole is expected to generate proceeds exceeding one billion USD to the Palestinian Government over the life of the field, including cash inflows in the form of taxes, royalties and other bonuses and payments specified in the model contract for the project.
The Palestine Investment Fund ("PIF"), a state-owned sovereign development fund, will participate in the project through entering with the selected bidder into a joint venture (JV) in which the PIF will have an ownership stake subject to bidding (with a minimum value of 25%). The PIF will participate in the JV by providing its share of the JV's capital. Consequently, the PIF will be part of the consortium in charge of developing the project, as is the industry norm for state investment arms in international oil projects.
"The existence of oil in Palestine is a highly promising opportunity for the Palestinian economy" Mustafa said. He further emphasized the potential for a big shift in the Palestinian economy's trajectory as a result of such a project, which is considered the first of its kind in the country.
"Having local oil supply will alleviate some of the costs borne by the Palestinian economy on oil imports" Mustafa added.
Moreover, Mustafa stressed the fact that "a project of this size and nature will enhance Palestinian utilization of local natural resources, and will be a stepping stone to a multitude of other projects concerning developing available natural resources including those in Al-Aghwar Region, in the Dead Sea, as well as offshore Gaza, thus, further liberating the Palestinian economy from its dependence on imports and laying the foundations for creating a strong independent Palestinian economy."
Source: Official Palestinian news agency-WAFA
16 mar 2014
Minister of Health in Gaza Mofeid Almakhallalaty
Minister of Health in Gaza Mofeid Almakhallalaty said on Sunday in a press conference, “only 30% of the total amount of the ministry’s medical storage remains in the stores due to the continued closure of the Rafah crossing .”
Almakhallalaty said In a press conference in the Ministry of Information headquarters in Gaza city, “80% of MOH construction projects are halted as a result of the tightened Israeli siege, the lack of building materials and other necessary related constuction materials.
Minister of Health in Gaza Mofeid Almakhallalaty said on Sunday in a press conference, “only 30% of the total amount of the ministry’s medical storage remains in the stores due to the continued closure of the Rafah crossing .”
Almakhallalaty said In a press conference in the Ministry of Information headquarters in Gaza city, “80% of MOH construction projects are halted as a result of the tightened Israeli siege, the lack of building materials and other necessary related constuction materials.
9 mar 2014
Minister of Housing and Public Works in Gaza, Dr Yousef al-Ghraiz
A Gaza official Sunday revealed that the United Arab Emirates suspended the implementation of a housing project worth $50 million in central Gaza Strip.
Minister of Housing and Public Works in Gaza, Dr Yousef al-Ghraiz, told ALRAY in an interview that “a UAE official lately informed us that work on the ‘ex-prisoner city’ project came to a halt”.
Ghraiz said the project team has completed 70% of engineering design process, but they were surprised with the suspension of the project.
The UAE contact did not give any reasons for the move.
In January 2013, the UAE donated $50 million to build “Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan City’ project on an area of 100 dunums to house prisoners released from Israeli jails.
Last year, Qatar pledged $400 million in reconstruction funds to the Gaza Strip, and construction material for the projects entered Gaza via Egypt in late December, following a six-year ban enforced by Egypt and ‘Israel’.
Gaza has been reeling under a seven-year economic Israeli blockade, worsened by Egypt cracking down on smuggling tunnels once used by Gazans to bring building items.
President of General Association of Palestinian Workers' Syndicates said recently that the stranglehold on the Gaza Strip resulted in an estimated unemployment rate of 45% .
A Gaza official Sunday revealed that the United Arab Emirates suspended the implementation of a housing project worth $50 million in central Gaza Strip.
Minister of Housing and Public Works in Gaza, Dr Yousef al-Ghraiz, told ALRAY in an interview that “a UAE official lately informed us that work on the ‘ex-prisoner city’ project came to a halt”.
Ghraiz said the project team has completed 70% of engineering design process, but they were surprised with the suspension of the project.
The UAE contact did not give any reasons for the move.
In January 2013, the UAE donated $50 million to build “Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan City’ project on an area of 100 dunums to house prisoners released from Israeli jails.
Last year, Qatar pledged $400 million in reconstruction funds to the Gaza Strip, and construction material for the projects entered Gaza via Egypt in late December, following a six-year ban enforced by Egypt and ‘Israel’.
Gaza has been reeling under a seven-year economic Israeli blockade, worsened by Egypt cracking down on smuggling tunnels once used by Gazans to bring building items.
President of General Association of Palestinian Workers' Syndicates said recently that the stranglehold on the Gaza Strip resulted in an estimated unemployment rate of 45% .
26 feb 2014
The Minister of Public Works and Housing in Gaza, Youssef Al-Gharez, has revealed that Kuwait had donated $9 million to build new housing units in Wadi Gaza area. The Kuwaiti project includes the establishment of 600 housing units in the former settlement of Netzarim in the first stage, while 15 buildings will be built as part of Qatari donations, the minister said, pointing out that four Malaysian projects, estimated at $6.5 million, are being implemented in Gaza.
The minister stated that the new housing units will be dedicated to lower social classes and to employees.
The 15 mentioned buildings contain 300 housing units, each building has 20 apartments.
Gharez declared that his ministry is going to carry out 13 housing projects that contain 26 thousand flats throughout Gaza.
The minister stated that the four Malaysia-funded projects include the establishment of an industrial school, the development of Shahid Abdel Aziz Rantisi hospital, and the construction of the Ministers Council headquarters and Nour Mohammadi Mosque. The estimated cost of the four projects is put at $6.5 million.
The ministry pointed out that the Qatari project, estimated at $3 million, may be delayed due to the lack of construction material in the besieged Strip.
The minister stated that the new housing units will be dedicated to lower social classes and to employees.
The 15 mentioned buildings contain 300 housing units, each building has 20 apartments.
Gharez declared that his ministry is going to carry out 13 housing projects that contain 26 thousand flats throughout Gaza.
The minister stated that the four Malaysia-funded projects include the establishment of an industrial school, the development of Shahid Abdel Aziz Rantisi hospital, and the construction of the Ministers Council headquarters and Nour Mohammadi Mosque. The estimated cost of the four projects is put at $6.5 million.
The ministry pointed out that the Qatari project, estimated at $3 million, may be delayed due to the lack of construction material in the besieged Strip.
10 feb 2014
A general view of the destroyed Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza
The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Transport has been working with Egypt to prepare plans for an airport in the occupied West Bank and a seaport and railway line in the Gaza Strip, a minister said Sunday.
Nabil Dmeidi, PA minister of transport and chairman of Palestinian Airlines, told Ma'an that the transport ministry has signed a protocol of cooperation with Egypt's civil aviation authority in order to benefit from Egyptian expertise.
The airport is planned to be built east of Jericho and Egyptian experts are due to visit the West Bank to explore possible locations for a second smaller airport on land currently designated as Area C, under full Israeli security and administrative control.
Dmeidi, who is currently visiting Cairo, added that a plan is being discussed to build a railway line between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, with the nearest Egyptian railway station 70 kilometers away in Beer al-Abed.
Plans are also being discussed to build a seaport in the Gaza Strip, he added.
The Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza was destroyed by Israel's military during the Second Intifada and now lies in ruins.
Inaugurated in 1998, it was able to handle 700,000 passengers per year and was visited by US President Bill Clinton as a guest.
The Oslo Accords granted Israel full control over Gaza's airspace but allowed for the construction of an airport.
Israel maintains exclusive control of Gaza's airspace and the territorial waters and has done since the military occupation of 1967.
The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Transport has been working with Egypt to prepare plans for an airport in the occupied West Bank and a seaport and railway line in the Gaza Strip, a minister said Sunday.
Nabil Dmeidi, PA minister of transport and chairman of Palestinian Airlines, told Ma'an that the transport ministry has signed a protocol of cooperation with Egypt's civil aviation authority in order to benefit from Egyptian expertise.
The airport is planned to be built east of Jericho and Egyptian experts are due to visit the West Bank to explore possible locations for a second smaller airport on land currently designated as Area C, under full Israeli security and administrative control.
Dmeidi, who is currently visiting Cairo, added that a plan is being discussed to build a railway line between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, with the nearest Egyptian railway station 70 kilometers away in Beer al-Abed.
Plans are also being discussed to build a seaport in the Gaza Strip, he added.
The Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza was destroyed by Israel's military during the Second Intifada and now lies in ruins.
Inaugurated in 1998, it was able to handle 700,000 passengers per year and was visited by US President Bill Clinton as a guest.
The Oslo Accords granted Israel full control over Gaza's airspace but allowed for the construction of an airport.
Israel maintains exclusive control of Gaza's airspace and the territorial waters and has done since the military occupation of 1967.
23 jan 2014
The first stage of Hamad Housing Project
Israel's strict blockade on the Gaza Strip affected the construction sector significantly, and hindered the completion of Hamad Housing projects, Naji Sarhan, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing said. “Hamad Housing city is in the first stage of building, but we face great obstacles represented in closing the borders and banning the entry of the construction materials to the Gaza Strip by Israeli occupation,” said Sarhan in an interview on al-Aqsa channel on Wednesday evening.
He added that the ministry is doing its best to overcome these obstacles and proceed the building with the limited available sources.
Sarhan said that the ministry will focus within the coming period on dedicating grants funds to the poor and needy through establishing new housing buildings for them.
In addition, the ministry will renovate some of the damaged buildings for free.
The former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has granted the Gaza Strip 400$ million during his historical visit to the enclave in October 2012.
The grant includes constructing a housing city, hospital and stadium, in addition to other projects.
Israel's strict blockade on the Gaza Strip affected the construction sector significantly, and hindered the completion of Hamad Housing projects, Naji Sarhan, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing said. “Hamad Housing city is in the first stage of building, but we face great obstacles represented in closing the borders and banning the entry of the construction materials to the Gaza Strip by Israeli occupation,” said Sarhan in an interview on al-Aqsa channel on Wednesday evening.
He added that the ministry is doing its best to overcome these obstacles and proceed the building with the limited available sources.
Sarhan said that the ministry will focus within the coming period on dedicating grants funds to the poor and needy through establishing new housing buildings for them.
In addition, the ministry will renovate some of the damaged buildings for free.
The former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has granted the Gaza Strip 400$ million during his historical visit to the enclave in October 2012.
The grant includes constructing a housing city, hospital and stadium, in addition to other projects.
19 jan 2014
The UNRWA said that Israel's refusal to allow in building materials through Karam Abu Salem crossing halted its construction projects in the Gaza Strip. Robert Turner, director of UNRWA's operations, said that the agency's projects are worth a quarter billion dollars and have stopped because of the Israeli refusal to allow essential building materials to enter Gaza.
Turner stated in a meeting at the Palestinian businessmen association in Gaza on Saturday that the main problem lies in the failure to bring building materials into Gaza despite the fact that they are used under strict supervision for UNRWA's projects.
As for the local mills which were affected by some Turkish aid of flour, he stated that the UNRWA had to accept the Turkish flour shipments, although this aid was at the expense of the Gazan millers who makes flour after receiving grains from the agency.
Turner stated in a meeting at the Palestinian businessmen association in Gaza on Saturday that the main problem lies in the failure to bring building materials into Gaza despite the fact that they are used under strict supervision for UNRWA's projects.
As for the local mills which were affected by some Turkish aid of flour, he stated that the UNRWA had to accept the Turkish flour shipments, although this aid was at the expense of the Gazan millers who makes flour after receiving grains from the agency.
15 jan 2014
A lack of construction material in the Gaza Strip is preventing the refurbishment of 20 homes in the al-Bureij refugee camp, an UNRWA official said Wednesday.
Abu Omar Rabaty, director of UNRWA's housing department, said the UN agency has already signed contracts to refurbish the homes but Israel has yet to allow the necessary construction material into Gaza.
UNRWA submitted an application to Israeli authorities to allow cement, iron bars, and gravel needed for the project.
The homes need to be demolished and rebuilt as they could collapse at any time, Rabaty said.
Israel imposed restrictions on trade to Gaza in 2001 following the outbreak of a Palestinian uprising and tightened them further in 2007 after Hamas took over in the coastal enclave adjacent to Egypt, which also enforces a blockade.
Abu Omar Rabaty, director of UNRWA's housing department, said the UN agency has already signed contracts to refurbish the homes but Israel has yet to allow the necessary construction material into Gaza.
UNRWA submitted an application to Israeli authorities to allow cement, iron bars, and gravel needed for the project.
The homes need to be demolished and rebuilt as they could collapse at any time, Rabaty said.
Israel imposed restrictions on trade to Gaza in 2001 following the outbreak of a Palestinian uprising and tightened them further in 2007 after Hamas took over in the coastal enclave adjacent to Egypt, which also enforces a blockade.
13 jan 2014
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Gaza and Qatar Charity (QC) have signed two agreements for rehabilitation and reconstruction of 200 housing units in Gaza.
The project is estimated to cost around around 20.5 million Riyal which is around 5.5 million Dollars.
The agreement is a part of a program funded by the Gulf Co-operation Council for the reconstruction of Gaza in cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank.
Not being the first project of its kind director of the QC office,Ibrahim Zainal explains, “These projects included the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 75 houses for the poor as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 20 houses for families whose houses were destroyed during the war on Gaza in 2008, with funding from the Organisation of the Islamic Dawa and QC.
Zainal added that quality was a major focus for the projects as was the diversity of activities, including construction, rehabilitation and restoration according to the specific needs of the families, which include families containing members who have disabilities.”
The project is estimated to cost around around 20.5 million Riyal which is around 5.5 million Dollars.
The agreement is a part of a program funded by the Gulf Co-operation Council for the reconstruction of Gaza in cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank.
Not being the first project of its kind director of the QC office,Ibrahim Zainal explains, “These projects included the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 75 houses for the poor as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 20 houses for families whose houses were destroyed during the war on Gaza in 2008, with funding from the Organisation of the Islamic Dawa and QC.
Zainal added that quality was a major focus for the projects as was the diversity of activities, including construction, rehabilitation and restoration according to the specific needs of the families, which include families containing members who have disabilities.”
10 jan 2014
An Indonesian NGO has collected nearly $15 million from Indonesian citizens to build a hospital in norhern Gaza, reports Middle East Monitor. Currently there are about 30 Indonesian volonteers working to complete building the hospital.
"Indonesian civil society groups in Jakarta collected donations from people who were happy to support Gaza, even though many of them suffered uneasy financial situations", said Fikri Fikri, one of the Indonesian volonteers in an interview with Quds.net.
The hospital will be administrated by the local Minestry of Health and is planned to be operating in May 2014. The hospital will have 100 beds and four rooms for surgeries.
"Indonesian civil society groups in Jakarta collected donations from people who were happy to support Gaza, even though many of them suffered uneasy financial situations", said Fikri Fikri, one of the Indonesian volonteers in an interview with Quds.net.
The hospital will be administrated by the local Minestry of Health and is planned to be operating in May 2014. The hospital will have 100 beds and four rooms for surgeries.
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