Israeli Commits To Gaza Reconstruction In Hamas Ceasefire Deal

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JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel has committed to the reconstruction of Gaza and to discussing the possibility of airports and seaports in the Hamas-controlled coastal territory, Haaretz reported on Thursday.

Details have begun to emerge regarding these and other terms of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. It’s implementation began Wednesday, closing out months of escalating tensions between the two sides.

According to senior Israeli officials who spoke to Haaretz, the deal includes six main clauses including “a comprehensive cease-fire; the reopening of Gaza’s border crossings and expansion of the permitted fishing zone; medical and humanitarian assistance; a resolution to the issue of captive soldiers, missing civilians and prisoners; a broad reconstruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, with foreign funding; and discussions about sea and air ports in Gaza.”

The deal was approved by the cabinet with only Ministers Ayelet Shaked and Naftali Bennett of the hardline Jewish Home party dissenting publicly.

Israel reopened the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Wednesday. According to Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, 17,854 tons of goods in 637 trucks have since entered the strip.

Yesterday between #Gaza and #Israel:
? 17,854 tons of goods in 637 trucks entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom Crossing.
? There were 4 ambulance crossings through Erez Crossing.
??‍ 119 Palestinians entered Israel from Gaza for humanitarian purposes. pic.twitter.com/iZwDwwFKsM

— COGAT (@cogat_israel) August 16, 2018

An Israeli source who spoke with Haaretz said that “there will be no real arrangement with Hamas without the return of our sons and civilians and a the promise of prolonged calm.”

Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter at @alyssalfisher