Israeli President pledges to never let Gaza re-built

The Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has pledged to never let Gaza Strip rebuilt as long as Hamas governs the region.

While addressing a ceremony in honour of Israeli soldiers killed during Israel’s 2014 assault on the Gaza Strip, Rivlin said: “Israel was and has remained the only actor in the region that conveys basic staples for the welfare of the residents of Gaza.”

He also added: “As long as Hamas administers Gaza with an eye only to destroying the state of Israel and attacking its citizens, and continues to hold the bodies of our soldiers, Gaza will not be rehabilitated.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also threatened that Hamas would be made to pay an “unbearable price” if it continues a war with Israel.

While Hamas was freely elected in the last general Palestinian elections held in 2006, Israel has since then imposed strict regulations limiting the entry of medicines, construction supplies and food on Gaza Strip.