Israeli truckers are to transport parts for a Palestinian power station from the Israeli port of Ashdod to the Gaza Strip this week, finishing the trip under Palestinian escort, the army said Monday, August 20.
Heavy turbines will be taken to the crossing point of Karni on the edge of the Gaza Strip, after which they will be escorted by Palestinian security forces, Israeli army lieutenant colonel Yoram Barak told AFP.
The Palestinian territories have been under an Israeli army blockade since the start of the current conflict almost 11 months ago, and the transport of such huge equipment has taken minute planning, Barak said.
"We are talking about very heavy equipment, such as 100-ton turbines," he said. "The Israeli convoy will pass into Palestinian territory overnight Wednesday to Thursday and will be escorted to the site of the power station, south of Gaza City, by Palestinian security forces," he added.
He said the aid offered by Israel was a boost to the Palestinian infrastructure at a time when relations between the Israel and the Palestinians are at a low point amid escalating violence. — (AFP, Jerusalem)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
