The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), General Yoav Mordechai, has announced that Israel will freeze its transfer of cement to the private sector in the Gaza Strip.

The decision came after it was found that a senior Hamas member seized the cement and building materials that were intended as humanitarian supplies.

The Hamas official, who serves as the Economics Minister in Gaza, instead used the materials to build tunnels and military bases for the terror organization.

In making his decision, Mordechai explained that the misuse is a violation of the agreements by which Israel is helping rebuild Gaza after Operation Protective Edge.

It should be noted that the new freeze only affects the private sector. Israel will continue providing cement for the public sector to build medical, educational and community structures.

COGAT refers to both the IDF unit responsible for coordination with Palestinian and international bodies, as well as the unit’s commander.

Source: Arutz Sheva