GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — On Nov. 2, representatives of Sanad Construction Industries visited a vacant lot in the West Bank to conduct a land survey and to identify the ground coordinates in order to start preparations for the establishment of the first cement factory in Palestine. The lot was purchased in March by the Palestinian Investment Fund (PIF), which Sanad Construction Industries is affiliated with.

Sanad representatives, however, were taken by surprise when the residents of the Arab al-Rashaida area in Bethlehem governorate, which is adjacent to the vacant lot, prevented them from carrying out their work, arguing that the factory would lead to environmental pollution. The Sanad officials were forced to leave after police intervention, but vowed to return to start their work after getting the final approvals from the Environment Quality Authority (EQA). 

On Oct. 1, Sanad announced the launch of the first phase of the project, which entails the construction of the crusher, after having obtained the initial approvals from the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Local Government.

In this context, Ahmed Rashaida, a representative of the Arab al-Rashaida Community Committee, told Al-Monitor, “We are not against promoting Palestinian investments,” noting that they are objecting the project in particular given the proximity of the anticipated cement factory to their village, as it lies about 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the nearest homes.