Netanyahu. Making a gesture
Photo: AFP
Sarkozy. Firm stance on Iran
Photo: Reuters
Netanyahu approves new hospital for Gaza
PM okays French president's request to build new medical facility in Gaza using Qatari funding. Israel allows cement into Strip
For the first time since Operation Cast Lead
Israel will allow the transfer of construction materials into the Gaza Strip for the purpose of setting up a new hospital, Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to approve the transfer of materials following his meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy last week.
During the meeting, which was held amidst the UN General Assembly session, Sarkozy asked Netanyahu to allow the Palestinians to build the medical facility after securing proper funding from Qatar.
Since the Gaza offensive in January, Israel has been preventing the transfer of cement and other construction materials into the Strip fearing that Hamas will use them to rebuild its post layout which has been destroyed by the IDF.
Sources close to the prime minister explained that Netanyahu approved the plan as a gesture to Sarkozy for maintaining an assertive stance towards Iran.
The two leaders spoke Tuesday and Netanyahu informed the French president that after consultation with senior officials in the defense system he has decided to accept his request.
Head of Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau Amos Gilad is expected in France in the coming days in order to coordinate the establishment of the hospital.
