Palestinian Factions in Gaza Urge Israel to Lift Restrictions on Reconstruction

Palestinian women during a protest calling for lifting the blockade on Gaza. (AFP)
Palestinian women during a protest calling for lifting the blockade on Gaza. (AFP)
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Palestinian Factions in Gaza Urge Israel to Lift Restrictions on Reconstruction

Palestinian women during a protest calling for lifting the blockade on Gaza. (AFP)
Palestinian women during a protest calling for lifting the blockade on Gaza. (AFP)

Palestinian factions in Gaza have demanded that Israel lift the restrictions on the reconstruction of the Strip, following the latest round of military escalation in May.

The National and Islamic Forces Committee held a conference on Sunday stating that the Israeli blockade and the closure of crossings are no longer acceptable, and reconstruction must begin.

Committee coordinator Khaled al-Batsh said the forces are giving the ceasefire mediators a chance to end the siege, allow the entrance of construction materials and guarantee freedom of movement.

He warned that if these efforts fail, the Palestinian people will have no choice but to confront the Israeli occupation to regain their “right to dignity and freedom.”

He stressed the need to end the continuous human suffering that affects all groups, namely those with chronic diseases, in light of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Batsh called for urgent regional and international action to open the Gaza Strip crossings, end the suffering and allow the entrance of reconstruction materials.

Israel has severely restricted the movement across the Gaza crossings with the eruption of clashes with armed factions in Gaza on May 10.

Egypt brokered a ceasefire agreement to end the 11-day conflict, which killed more than 250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis and led to extensive destruction of homes and infrastructure in the enclave.

Later, Israel allowed a partial opening of the crossings and the entry of basic humanitarian aid while maintaining broad restrictions on imports, including the access of construction materials and export operations, according to Palestinian sources.



International Reaction to Gaza Ceasefire Deal

 Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. (Reuters)
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International Reaction to Gaza Ceasefire Deal

 Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. (Reuters)

Negotiators reached a phased ceasefire deal on Wednesday in the war in Gaza between Israel and the Hamas group, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters. Here is some reaction to the deal, which has not yet been formally announced.

US PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP

"We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!" he said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven," Trump said in a second post.

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FIDAN

He told reporters in Ankara the ceasefire deal was an important step for regional stability. Fidan also said Turkish efforts for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would continue.

ALEXANDER DE CROO, BELGIUM'S PRIME MINISTER

“After too many months of conflict, we feel tremendous relief for the hostages, for their families and for the people of Gaza.

Let’s hope this ceasefire will put an end to the fighting and mark the beginning of a sustained peace. Belgium stands ready to help.”