Israel complaint over Egyptian circumvention of Gaza cement ban

The Israeli government has filed an official complaint with its counterpart in Cairo after Egypt permitted the import of cement into Gaza, reports the Middle East Monitor.

News services report that this has provoked considerable anger within the Israeli security establishment, who view the Egyptian move as running counter to its efforts at collaboration with the Palestinian Authority. They also point out that it may violate a UN agreement whereby the international body monitors cement use in Gaza.

Two weeks ago, Israel imposed a ban on cement imports into Gaza for private use. The Israeli government contends that cement was being used to build tunnels across the border.