Mideast envoy Tony Blair expects construction material to flow into Gaza in 2-3 weeks

Blair: Construction material will go to Gaza soon

MADRID — Mideast envoy Tony Blair says he expects sorely needed construction material to arrive in the Gaza Strip within two or three weeks, now that Israel has agreed to ease its blockade of the Hamas-ruled territory.

Construction material will be used to repair the damage caused by the Israeli-Hamas war that began in December 2008. Israel fears items such as cement and metal could be used for military purposes and wants construction materials to enter Gaza under international supervision.

Israel agreed to ease the blockade due to international pressure after its deadly commando attack against a Gaza-bound flotilla killed nine pro-Palestinian activists in May.