Israel Objects to Gaza Reconstruction, Demands Right to Demolish
Prime Minister Netanyahu's office declared the U.S. Gaza reconstruction committee 'not coordinated with Israel and contrary to its policy.' ( One might wonder what Israel's 'policy' for Gaza actually is, besides reducing it to rubble. ) This, after countless bombs, shells, and bulldozers have systematically eradicated everything from homes to hospitals in the enclave. It appears Israel wants veto
power over not just what exists in Gaza, but also over what might conceivably exist again. The audacity is staggering: bomb the target, then object when someone suggests cleaning up the mess. This isn't new. For decades, the collective punishment of Gazans has been Israeli policy, with periodic 'mowing the lawn' operations followed by international hand-wringing and minimal rebuilding efforts. The
U.S., which supplies the weaponry used for destruction (a '$14 billion aid package including bombs for Israel' passed in April), now wants to fund the cleanup, but only if Israel approves the dustpan. How many more times will the world enable the cycle of destruction and then pretend surprise when the 'reconstruction' is endlessly stalled by the very party that caused the devastation?