Cold Winter Bites Victims of Israeli Attacks on Gaza

Cold winter bites displaced Gazans
Ashraf Shannon, Press TV, Gaza

Almost two years after Israel waged a deadly war on Gaza that also damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, many people here are exposed to the elements.

Although Gaza still has not had its first rain in this season, the cold weather and gusting winds have made life for those living in makeshift camps or tents very difficult.
Not much reconstruction work has been done as Israel severely restricts the imports of construction materials into the territory calming they may be used by Hamas to build bunkers or military installations.

A recent report compiled by 21 different groups, including Oxfam, Amnesty and Save the Children, says only a small fraction of the construction materials needed to rebuild Gaza is allowed in.
The authors of the report add that at the current rate it will take decades to carry out the UN's housing and schools projects in the strip.

Israel and Egypt tightened the blockade of Gaza in 2007 after Hamas took control of the strip, and Israel recently revealed that the siege was not imposed only for security reasons.
4.5 billion U.S. dollars were raised in an international donors' conference in Egypt in March 2009 for the reconstruction of the battered coastal enclave. But up until now none of that money has been forthcoming
Displaced Gazans have no idea for how long they must wait before they can have a proper roof over their head. They say that they will remain at the mercy of bad and cold weather unless they receive immediate help.

Winter in Gaza:

"PressTVGlobalNews | December 13, 2010

Press TV's Ashraf Shanon reporting from Gaza



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