GAZA

Israels security and Policy unit has approved construction of a port in the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip, although Israel will retain control of territorial waters offshore.

Much of this will come from the opening of the initial phase of the new Jebel Ali Terminal 2 which will add 5m TEU capacity in July 2007. This will be a deep draught facility with gantry cranes capable of handling fifth and sixth generation container vessels.

Construction work will take three years and will commence as soon as Israel has completely withdrawn from the territory. The facility will be built using international donor finance.