Israel permits 250 tons of cement into Gaza UN housing project

A U.N. spokesman says Israel has permitted the import of 250 tons of cement into the Gaza Strip for a U.N. housing project of 150 apartments.

The project was started before the Hamas takeover but was halted when the blockade began. Adnan Abu Hasna said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pressed Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak to give permission during a March visit to the region.

Palestinian border officials said Monday's was the biggest shipment of cement since the start of the blockade.

From China Cement (2010-5-25)