From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Gantz says Israel will boost number of Palestinian workers from Gaza
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Benny Gantz says Israel is planning on increasing the number of Palestinian workers who can enter Israel from the Gaza Strip.
“We intend to expand [our] civilian humanitarian policy, including an immediate increase in the quota of [Palestinian] workers [who can enter Israel],” Gantz says during a tour of the southern frontier with military officials.
“If, along with maintaining relative quiet, we also make advances in the path to returning the Israeli prisoners and missing persons, we will be able to expand this policy and develop the Gaza Strip,” he adds, referring to two Israeli civilians and the remains of two IDF soldiers being held by the Hamas terror group in the coastal enclave.
“Unfortunately, the residents of Gaza are captives of Hamas leaders who deprive them of a better livelihood and future for their children. The leaders of Hamas and the residents of Gaza will also be the ones to bear responsibility, if the peace in Gaza or elsewhere is disturbed,” Gantz warns.
In October, as part of the ongoing ceasefire efforts with Hamas, Israel expanded the work permit program to allow up to 10,000 workers into the country. It is not immediately clear how much further Israel intends to expand the program.
The Times of Israel Community.