cancel2 2022
Canceled
- Israeli government's security cabinet is debating the island vision
- The island, which could include an airport, would be linked to Gaza
- Israel has imposed a trade blockage on the Palestinians since 2007
- Island could give Gaza and its 1.8million people economic independence
The island could cost up to $5billion to construct and would connect Gaza with the rest of the world
Yisrael Katz, a top deputy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel had no objection to easing the Gaza blockade as long as its security needs are met. Israel would supervise security checks but the island would otherwise be run by Palestinians and the international community. 'I do not think it is right to lock up two million people without any connection to the world,' he said. 'Israel has no interest to make life harder for the population there. But because of security concerns we can't build an airport or seaport in Gaza.'
The country and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza after Hamas seized power in 2007. The blockade is still in place because it prevents arms from reaching the Islamic militant group, which has fought three wars against Israel since the takeover. Critics say the closure amounts to collective punishment of Gaza's 1.8 million residents.
Israel currently allows about 800 truckloads of goods into Gaza each day through a land crossing, but aid groups and U.N. officials say it's not enough to meet its people's needs. Katz said the island would be in international waters and could provide economic independence to Palestinians.
Mokhamir Abu Sa'da, a professor at Al-Zahar University in Gaza, told the Washington Post: 'Opening a seaport and airport would help Gaza to end the siege, people could travel, goods could be exported and easily imported from abroad.' 'If you talk to ordinary people in the street now, I am sure people would accept it and would be happy. After 10 years of blockade and three wars and daily difficulties, people are looking for hope.'