Belgian FM calls for economic conference to support Gaza

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders yesterday called for an economic conference to support the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

During a press conference held amongst the rubble of destroyed houses in Gaza, Reynders called on the Israeli occupation to allow the entry of construction materials to the beleaguered Strip in order for houses, schools and other vital facilities to be built.

After touring the Shuja’iyya neighbourhood, which was the most affected area during the 2014 Israeli offensive, he reiterated that the reconstruction is moving “very slowly”. He noted that accelerating the reconstruction helps Gazans “stabilise quickly”.

Reynders said that his country is paying attention to the Gaza Strip and its reconstruction, noting that the aforementioned conference would discuss several issues beyond the entrance of humanitarian aid.

“We have been in contact with the Israeli government in order to open the door for the entrance of several different commodities other than the construction materials,” he said.

Reynders arrived in Gaza through the Erez crossing between Israel and Gaza yesterday morning.