Palestinian official presents Gaza seaport plan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Gaza's defunct seaport could become operational under a plan that would see Greek supervision and the involvement of a private firm, independent Gaza lawmaker Jamal Al-Khoudary said Saturday.

The plan, which Al-Khoudary announced to reporters, includes an agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Greece that would see a Greek port compile and monitor goods for shipping before transfer at Gaza's seaport, Maan News reported.

The official, who also heads the committee against the siege, said he presented the plan to Egypt, President Mahmoud Abbas, and Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in order not to involve Israel directly or indirectly in the future of Gaza's harbor.

"The crossing agreement signed between the PA and the EU will be adjusted to include a Gaza seaport, and EU envoys will check and search all goods loaded on to the ships, while a team of European monitors would accompany the vessels heading to Gaza, to ensure they are not loaded with materials," Al-Khoudary said.

Once the boats dock in Gaza's port, EU monitors would not leave the ship, he added.

According to the proposal, all imported goods would be tax, customs, and VAT exempt for a year, with all Palestinian sides pledging to abide by the condition, adding that the transfer of 30 goods allowed into Gaza via Kerem Shalom would remain in place "so as to not disturb the tax system," Al-Khoudary said.

The project aims at opening a sea corridor and enabling the entry of goods, linking Gaza with the outside world "and to bring about the goal of ships breaking the siege."

"Later, we will begin a new stage of building and economic development by reopening the closed factories to the currently unemployed Palestinian labor force, and saving those made homeless by the war, in accordance with international law and conventions," he added.

"The intifada of ships will continue. Dozens of ships are coming until the siege is broken and the popular and parliamentary uprising is ongoing," the Gaza official added.

Al-Khoudary called for further pressure on Israel “to release the confiscated ships belonging to the Freedom Flotilla, which attempted to dock at Gaza's port, until it was intercepted in international waters by Israel in a raid that saw nine activists killed.” He added that all aid on board the flotilla should be returned to organizers to "allow them to deliver it the way they wanted to."

"Even if Israel opened Gaza's commercial crossings, Palestinians still have the right to a water pathway, especially as this project would benefit both Gaza and the West Bank."