Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair and Palestinian Authority officials have charged that Israel is blocking the Palestinian Authority from shipping more than $80 million in cash for Gaza. The government has not commented on the report but previously said that it blocked PA cash during Operation Cast Led to keep it out of the hands of Hamas.
Israel also is concerned that the money will be used for cement and steel that Hamas can use to rebuild its terrorist infrastructure. The PA has said the money is needed to pay its 77,000 workers and pension and welfare payments.