Israeli companies win reconstruction deals in Gaza

Reconstruction in Gaza Gaza - Mohammad Habib The deputy chairman of the Palestinian Contractors Union in Gaza, Osama Kheil, revealed that two Israeli companies have won two deals to reconstruct water stations in Gaza in a competition held by UNICEF. "When the Palestinian Contractors Union denounced this decision, UNICEF replied that they considered the Israeli companies as local ones," Kheil said. Kheil added: "We have reports that the Israeli companies which won the deals, have made contacts with contractors in Gaza to implement the work against half the fees agreed with UNICEF, we are aware that at least two contractors have accepted this type of deal, but we have sent letters to all the contractors in Gaza warning them against signing such deals." The Palestinian Engineers Syndicate in Gaza, has lashed out at the decision of UNICEF, describing it as a "reward" from UNICEF for the Israeli assaults against Gaza. A statement issued by the syndicate said: "This decision has completely undermined the feelings of Gaza's people, as well as the interests of Gaza's local companies, which are already suffering due to the Israeli blockade on the strip. The decision also ignored the donors will, as they have donated the costs of these projects to support the Palestinian people not their enemies". The syndicate also warned all Palestinian building and architectural companies, that they will be prosecuted by the syndicate, if any of them accept to cooperate with the Israeli companies in such projects.