For the first time since the cease-fire between Israel and the Hamas movement took effect on May 21, Israel has allowed the entry of building materials to the private sector in the Gaza Strip. Israel had demanded the release of four Israelis detained by Hamas in Gaza before authorizing the reconstruction of the besieged enclave.
The Gaza Strip is inhabited by more than 2 million Palestinians and has been besieged by Israel since the summer of 2006. The delayed reconstruction has exacerbated the suffering of the owners of houses and facilities that were damaged or destroyed in May.
