EU foreign ministers question the point of rebuilding enclave

EU FOREIGN ministers were questioning the point of rebuilding infrastructure in Gaza they had rebuilt several times in the past, during a special meeting attended by the Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni.

EU ministers urged Livni to open crossings to allow humanitarian aid into the Palestinians in sufficient quantities and on a regular basis and to put in place a permanent ceasefire.

The Israelis want the EU to provide monitors and technology to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza and to guarantee that no more weapons will get into the enclave.

Europe Minister Dick Roche who attended last night’s meeting said Europe was willing to give whatever assistance it could in monitoring crossings but he did not see how they could give such guarantees.

He also supported the UN’s call for a full investigation of the Israeli’s shelling of three UN buildings in Gaza.

Mr Roche added that Ireland was concerned at the consequences of the disproportionate Israeli military action in Gaza and said in Ireland’s experience every dispute can only be resolved by discussion.

However he would not comment on the EU’s refusal to hold discussions with Hamas, the Palestinian group, which is on the international terror list but has won democratic elections in Gaza.

Several ministers attending the meeting said they were growing impatient with the destruction of infrastructure and believed the whole international community — and not just the EU — must be involved in the rebuilding this time.

The EU is the largest contributor to the bankrupt region and has rebuilt infrastructure including water and sewage works, schools, hospitals and libraries several times over the past few years. The EU has a 30-strong monitoring mission on standby that was stood down when Hamas gained power in 2006.