Netherlands and Israel to build Gaza gas pipeline

During a visit to the Netherlands and following talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the Dutch government has agreed to assist Israel in improving its gas supplies to Gaza.

At present, due to damage to Gaza’s electric network as a result of conflicts, alongside Israel's coastal blockade, the region faces an energy crisis. Netanyahu wants to help the population of Gaza by improving the quality of life and supplying energy, which will include the laying of a gas pipeline.

“Netanyahu did not elaborate on details of the gas pipeline plan, saying only the Dutch, with their long history of water management, would help,” The Jerusalem Post reported.

According to The Times of Israel: “Rutte said his country had already invested in a feasibility study for a gas pipeline from Israel to the impoverished Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip.”

Included within their assistance, the Netherlands will hold meetings between Dutch, Israeli and Palestinian officials, with a purpose of discussing and, in turn, helping to improve the Palestinian economy. Rutte also highlighted that these meetings would also provide a more fertile ground for political negotiations between the two parties.

Edited from various sources by Anna Nicklin

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/07092016/netherlands-and-israel-to-build-gaza-gas-pipeline/