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Developing Northern Sinai - A New Diplomatic Paradigm

(Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Dr. Shimon Shapira and Shlomi Fogel - How can the economic situation in Gaza be alleviated without strengthening the military capabilities of Hamas, when the Gaza authorities cannot be relied upon to prevent the diversion of resources for military purposes? There is no reason to doubt that any improvements in Gaza's infrastructure, such as new port construction, will lead to the movement of increased quantities of weaponry into the Hamas arsenal. A new paradigm could provide solutions to the economic and humanitarian deprivation in Gaza in the area of northern Sinai, while strictly maintaining Egyptian sovereignty and without infringing upon it in any way. While this area is adjacent to Gaza, it is outside the control of Hamas. Massive economic aid should be supplied to Egypt through the establishment of a new consortium based upon the United States and the Gulf States. This international aid should be invested in the construction and development of a series of initiatives and large infrastructure projects for tourism and the economy in northern Sinai, carried out under the responsibility of the Egyptian government, for the benefit of the residents of Gaza. These projects would include: Construction of a deep-water port at El Arish, allowing the import and export of goods to Gaza. Construction of an international airport near El Arish that would allow the movement of passengers, including from Gaza. Construction of a power station to generate electricity from natural gas from Egyptian gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea, supplying enough electricity to meet the total demand of Gaza residents. Construction of two water desalination installations to provide enough water for the needs of Gaza. These will be constructed mainly by Egyptian workers, most of whom will come from among the Bedouin of northern Sinai, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation instead of joining ISIS. They will be joined by workers from Gaza. Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Dr. Shimon Shapira, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, served as Military Secretary to the Prime Minister and as Israel Foreign Ministry chief of staff. Shlomi Fogel, an Israeli entrepreneur, is active in numerous initiatives to promote business between Israel and its neighbors, including the "Jordan Gateway Industrial Park," as a means of promoting economic peace.
2018-10-18 00:00:00
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