Israel Resumes Cement Shipments to Gaza

JERUSALEM, Israel -- Israel lifted the ban on concrete deliveries to the Gaza Strip Monday, following a two-month ban. Israel said it based the decision on security assessments and in cooperation with cement deliveries from private companies.

In the past, Hamas has confiscated cement and other construction material designated for civilian use and diverted that to the terror group’s attack tunnels dug under Israel’s border. While Hamas denies the accusations, there’s sufficient evidence to counter the claim.

U.N. coordinator Robert Piper confirmed that 90 truckloads of cement were transported to Gaza on Monday, while U.N. Special Coordinator for the Middle East peace process Nickolay Mladenov said it was critical for both Israel and the Palestinian Authority that Gaza remain calm and “hope is restored for its people.”