After 17,000 buildings – including schools, hospitals, clinics and even ICU’s – have been destroyed in Gaza by Israeli troops using US-supplied missiles and warplanes, the reconstruction will cost many billions. It is assumed that both the US and Israel will bear the full costs of rebuilding the infrastructure after the incursion and will NOT expect either the United Nations, or the EU to pay.

As for the 1470 civilian killed by the Israelis, nothing can compensate for the result of this lethal military adventure. But action can be taken by the United Nations and the International Criminal court to indict those alleged guilty of war crime.

In addition to the extensive costs of reconstruction, it is now essential that both a deep sea port and an international airport are built in Gaza, to compete with Haifa and Tel Aviv, after over half a century of Israeli illegal occupation, blockades and protectionism.

If the Netanyahu government continues its obstruction to peace and continues its land-grabs in the Occupied Territories, then all bilateral trade between Israel and Europe should cease until such time as it decides to adhere to international law and to comply with the resolution of the United Nations.